Report: Half of U.S. Schools Have IAQ Issues

Nearly 50 percent of K-12 education facilities in the U.S. report problems with indoor air quality (IAQ), according to a report about the economic and health effects of poor air.

AeraMax Professional released the report during the NFMT Conference in Baltimore in March. The report examines the widespread hazards of poor IAQ and how facility managers can create healthier and safer environments for occupants with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.

Click here for the Clean Air Special Report.

“Every day, millions of Americans are less productive because of asthma and allergy problems at a business or school,” says Jeff Dryfhout, global marketing director of Fellowes Brands, Air Treatment. “Enough is enough. Cleaning the air dramatically reduces contaminants that trigger allergies and asthma. Most Americans spend seven to nine hours a day in shared spaces and facility managers can help ensure they feel healthy and safe in these areas.”

The report says asthmatic and allergy symptoms account for 40,000 missed days of school or work every day in the country. The absenteeism and loss in production can cost businesses up to $5.1 billion annually.

According to the report, about 1 in 4 buildings suffer from sick building syndrome (SBS) because of poor IAQ. Buildings with SBS often cause immediate symptoms such as dizziness, focusing difficulties and nausea for many occupants.

AeraMax designed the first commercial-grade air purifier as certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). The Professional line of purifiers removes up to 99.9 percent of airborne contaminants, including common triggers such as dust mites, mold spores, and pollen.

This quick read was submitted by Dave Lubach, associate editor for Facility Maintenance Decisions. Reach him at dave.lubach@tradepress.com. For more articles on indoor air quality click here

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