Why IAQ Is Important
	Comparative risk studies performed by the EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Failure to respond promptly and effectively to IAQ problems can have the following health, cost and educational consequences: - increasing health problems including cough, eye irritation, headache, asthma, allergy, carbon monoxide poisoning or Legionnaire's disease - promoting the spread of infectious diseases - making it difficult for children to learn - causing discomfort, sickness and absenteeism in teachers and other school staff - reducing staff productivity - causing deterioration and reduced efficiency of the school building and its equipment - increasing risk that rooms or buildings must be closed and occupants relocated - straining relationships among administration, parents and staff - generating negative publicity that could damage a school's image or effectiveness - creating potential liability problems.
	Record #18, revised 1/18/2001

Related Topics (click for further information) 1. Sources of Indoor Pollution in Schools 2. Functions of an IAQ Coordinator

Related Case Studies 1. Top Ten Concerns for a Healthful School Environment 2. Waterloo District School Board Plant Operations 3. Durham District School Board Indoor Environment Procedures 4. ALA Indoor Air Quality Program for Oklahoma Schools 5. Thames Valley Indoor Air Quality Policy

Primary Sources 1. IAQ Co-ordinator's Guide

Related Resources 1. IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit 2. Achieving Healthy Indoor Environments 3. Healthy Schools - Healthy Children 4. IAQ Tools for Schools Frequently Asked Questions 5. Indoor Air Quality in Schools