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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

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?

Toronto Sun 12.07.11

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What are pollutant sources in tribal schools?

People – everyone is a source of pollutantsPersonal care productsStudents & staff with

communicable diseasesRadonClassroom petsExcess moisture leading to moldDry-erase markers and chalknau.edu/iaqtc

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What are pollutant sources in tribal schools? (cont.)Cleaning materialsOdors from paint, caulk, and adhesivesInsects and other pestsOdors from trashOutdoor pollutants

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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

nau.edu/iaqtc

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What is the EPA IAQ TfS Program?

nau.edu/iaqtc

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

nau.edu/iaqtc

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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. AssessAssess Do initial school walk-throughDo initial school walk-throughListen to occupantsListen to occupants

3. 3. Plan Plan Prioritize actionsDevelop goals

nau.edu/iaqtc

Framework for IAQ TfS

4. Act Education of occupantsEducation of occupants

5. EvaluateMeasure impactsReturn on Investment (ROI)

6. CommunicateTransparentShare 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

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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

nau.edu/iaqtc

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Student Involvement

nau.edu/iaqtc

Curricular activitiesAssessmentFeedbackCommunication

Curriculum 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

nau.edu/iaqtc

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

nau.edu/iaqtc

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

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