This presentation from NFMT Remix addresses indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools, its importance for student health and learning, and strategies to improve it, specifically through the experiences of the Clark County School District (CCSD) in Nevada. With over 300,000 students and 386 schools, the district faces the challenge of maintaining safe, healthy environments across a massive geographical area with varied environmental and budgetary constraints.
Lori Olson-Arzaga, Director of Environmental Services, Clark County School District emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality, as it influences student concentration, reduces absenteeism, and promotes mental well-being. Good IAQ reduces allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, and even absenteeism due to asthma, the leading cause of school absenteeism. IAQ goes beyond mere air pollutants to include other factors affecting comfort, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, which collectively influence productivity and student well-being.
Indoor air quality is affected by both internal and external pollutants. Sources within the school environment include building materials, cleaning products, and even classroom objects such as air fresheners or scented candles. The district uses environmental assessments to address these pollutants, incorporating CO2 monitoring to gauge ventilation effectiveness. For example, in one case study, a teacher reported feeling unwell due to elevated CO2 levels in a poorly ventilated portable classroom. Such symptoms, including headaches and fatigue, were attributed to the high CO2, prompting the district to investigate and address ventilation issues.
To better monitor and manage IAQ, CCSD has implemented IAQ monitors with smart technology that provide real-time data. These devices alert staff when levels exceed safe thresholds, such as CO2 levels, enabling quicker responses. Although the ideal goal is to install monitors in every classroom, funding limitations currently restrict implementation to prioritized locations.
The district also leverages smart thermostats to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining IAQ. By installing these thermostats in portable classrooms, they achieved a 50 percent reduction in energy costs, saving approximately $50,000 per month. These devices allow temperature and ventilation control, automatically adjusting based on room occupancy and CO2 levels to maintain a healthy environment.
Preventive maintenance is essential to IAQ management. The district changes around 90,000 air filters across its facilities, though limited funding has hindered regular replacements. COVID-19 funds provided a temporary solution for these upgrades, but long-term, consistent funding is necessary. Proper custodial staffing and maintenance play crucial roles in upholding IAQ standards; however, reactive management often prevails due to staffing shortages. The district aims to include ongoing maintenance costs in future budgets to ensure consistent IAQ management.
For future IAQ improvements, CCSD is exploring various technologies, including air purification systems with UV treatment and devices that generate low levels of hydrogen peroxide to disinfect surfaces naturally. Such systems aim to control airborne contaminants and limit infection spread in classrooms.
The district has been recognized as the first in the nation to receive UL certification for ventilation standards. This acknowledgment underscores the district’s commitment to advancing IAQ and provides a model for other districts aiming to improve school air quality.
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