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Mansel A NelsonTribal Environmental Education Outreach Program

Institute for Tribal Environmental ProfessionalsNorthern Arizona University

nau.edu/iaqtc

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Indoor Air in Tribal Schools

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Indoor Air Quality Assessment at Tohono

O’Odham

IAQ in Tribal SchoolsEPA IAQ Tools for SchoolsOpen AirwaysITEP Resources

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Eye, nose, and throat irritationCoughing, sneezing, and wheezingAsthma attacksHeadachesFatigueAggravated allergies and asthmaRespiratory infections

What are common symptoms indicating IAQ issues in schools?

Toronto Sun 12.07.11

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Many older buildings don’t have active ventilationSchools with HVAC may reduce fresh air intake to

conserve energy (and money)Mold (really a moisture issue)Back-logged MaintenanceShortage of custodial staffObsolete cleaning practices

What are common concerns in tribal schools?

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What are pollutant sources in tribal schools?

People - everyone is a source of pollutantsPersonal care productsStudents & staff with communicable diseases

RadonClassroom petsExcess moisture leading to moldDry-erase markers and chalkCleaning materialsOdors from paint, caulk, and adhesives Insects and other pestsOdors from trashOutdoor pollutantsnau.edu/iaqtc

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Promote a healthy learning environment at your school to reduce absenteeism, improve test scores and enhance student and staff productivity.

Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Schools

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What is the EPA IAQ TfS Program?

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IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html

Guides & Check lists for:

• IAQ Coordinator• Teachers • Administrators• Maintenance staff• Health staff

Video Collection:

• Action plan • Ventilation basics• Walk through guide

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Guides and Checklists

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Key DriversKey Drivers1.1. OrOrgganize: anize:

Get buy in from school Get buy in from school leadershipleadershipCreate a Team & CoordinatorCreate a Team & Coordinator

2. 2. Assess:Assess: Do initial school walk-throughDo initial school walk-throughListen to occupantsListen to occupants

3. 3. Plan: Plan: Prioritize actionsDevelop goals

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Framework for IAQ TfS

4. Act: Education of occupantsEducation of occupants

5. Evaluate:Measure impactsReturn on Investment (ROI)

6. Communicate: TransparentShare results

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Framework for IAQ TfS

Technical SolutionsQuality HVAC

Control Moisture/Mold

Integrated Pest Management

Effective Cleaning/Maintenance

Materials Selection

Aggressive Source Control

Technical SolutionsQuality HVAC

Control Moisture/Mold

Integrated Pest Management

Effective Cleaning/Maintenance

Materials Selection

Aggressive Source Control

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html

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What else could we consider?

MeasurementsSmoke Stick to measure air movement

Carbon Dioxide monitor to measure ventilation

Carbon monoxide monitor

Moisture meters

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Student Involvement

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Curricular activitiesAssessmentFeedbackCommunication

Curricular Resources

Hydroville – www.hydroville.org/air

IAQ Lesson Plans – www.neahin.org/educator-resources/ understanding-the-indoor.html

Green Ribbon Schools - http://www.greenribbonschools.org/

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Open Airways for Schools

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Provided by American Lung AssociationEducates and empowers children for asthma self-

management.You can facilitate Open Airways instruction in

tribal schoolsBecome an instructor ORConnect instructors with schools

http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/in-schools/open-airways/open-airways-for-schools-1.html

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Conducting Building Assessments

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Provided by Northwest Clean Air Agency Resources and ideas for building assessmentsInformation on mold in schoolsMeasurements in schoolsConducting walk-throughs

http://www.nwcleanair.org/aqprograms/indoorAir.htm

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More Information

nau.edu/iaqtc

EPA Healthy School Environments - www.epa.gov/schools

EPA Tools for Schools – www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/

American Lung Association – www.lungusa.org/

Healthy Schools Network – www.healthyschools.org/

OSHA - www.osha.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/

CDC - www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/

http://www.epa.gov/schools/healthyseat/index.html

Assessment