Back to School and Beyond Action Kit
Healthy IAQ/IEQ/IPM
(Indoor Air/Environmental Quality/Integrated Pest Management)
General Checklist
PREVENT MOLD & MILDEW
Mold can trigger asthma and lead to other health problems; dampness leads to mold growth
 Check for mold and mildew, especially water-damaged materials
 Check for persistent dampness; musty or earthy smells
 Check for leaks (plumbing, roofs, windows, basements)
 Report and fix leaks promptly
CONTROL DUST
Dust may contain heavy metals and other potentially harmful toxins. Dust mites can trigger asthma and allergy
attacks
 Use micro-fiber cloths and mops to clean surfaces; use high-efficiency vacuum bags
 Remove classroom clutter; store projects in clear containers with tight-fitting lids
 Use walk-off floor mats at all entrances to trap dirt and toxins
 Leave classrooms ready-to-clean at the end of the day
ENSURE FRESH AIR FLOW & EFFECTIVE VENTILATION
Poor ventilation allows pollutants to accumulate indoors
 Check for odd, unpleasant odors; “clean doesn’t have a smell”
 Clean air supply vents regularly
 Keep air flow pathways clear - remove plants, books, papers, and student projects from
vents; windows should be able to be opened
 Use local or hooded exhaust fans for water-intensive areas (lavatories, kitchens, gyms) and
pollution-generating areas (chemistry, art, biology labs, computer and copier rooms, voc-ed
classrooms)
PREVENT TOXIC FUMES/REDUCE CHEMICAL EXPOSURES
Many conventional products contain respiratory irritants and other hazards
 Inventory and dispose of outdated hazardous and/or flammable chemicals
 Buy and use non-toxic products, computers, interior paints, furnishings, and art supplies
 Use certified green cleaning products screened by an independent third party (Green Seal or
Eco Logo); these are cost-neutral and effective
 Ban air fresheners and room deodorizers
 Use disinfectants only as required and in targeted areas
PREVENT PESTS AND PESTICIDES, INDOORS AND OUT
Pests, such as cockroaches and mice, can trigger asthma and spread disease. Pesticides kill living organisms and can
spread through the air, seep into soil and water, and can be tracked into schools.
 Keep plants, soil, and other organic materials at least 18" away from buildings by creating a
gravel or concrete barrier; keep trees and other shrubbery trimmed at least 6' away from
buildings
 Move dumpsters away from buildings, keep lids closed and secured, and place on a concrete
slab
 Seal cracks and crevices and other pest entry points (e.g., where pipes and wires come into
the building) with pest-proof materials such as copper or stainless steel mesh/screening and
silicone sealant; make sure window screens are in good repair and that door sweeps are
installed on outside doors
 Clean up spills and crumbs quickly; store food in containers with tight fitting lids
 Remove clutter, and other pest hiding and nesting areas
 Properly identify pests, and use preventative measures as a first line of defense. Regularly
monitor and report any pest sightings to the appropriate person. Use baits and traps
appropriately, and spot pesticide treatments only when necessary, according to the label
directions, and in accordance with all pesticide application laws and regulations
 Adopt least toxic pest control practices and protocols such as those outlined in an integrated
pest management (IPM) program; notify in advance of pesticide applications
REMAIN VIGILANT – day to day
 Watch for children whose health worsens throughout the school day
 Use a suggestion/complaint box for people to submit observations and concerns
 Fix small problems before they become big, expensive headaches
BE PREPARED – severe weather events and other disasters
 Severe weather events are increasing and have damaged schools nationwide: make sure your
school has a plan to assess damaged buildings for safe re-occupancy by children.
 New risks such as “fracking” near or on school grounds and explosive crude oil trains
speeding by local schools also pose special threats.
 Make sure your school has a REHEARSED plan for various emergencies and that you also
know what to do.
References:
 US EPA http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/
 US EPA http://www.epa.gov/schools/
 Greener, healthier products: Healthy Purchasing for Healthy Schools: green cleaning + five other
products categories to help make schools healthier – a Coalition policy guidance memo, at
www.cleaningforhealthyschools.org – see Green Cleaning and Healthy Products Toolkits
 US EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection www.epa.gov/children
 US Department of Education/Readiness http://rems.ed.gov/
 California Environmental Protection Agency: Impacts of Climate Change on Children’s Health
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-jj-Uqv_J65ZU9YNG05T21uTE0/view?usp=sharing
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