Classroom health report hardly a breath of fresh air.Asthma, allergies and eye and throat irritation may be the least of the ills in classrooms. A California study found that a small, yet still substantial, percentage of classrooms have formaldehyde formaldehyde (fôrmăl`dəhīd'), HCHO, the simplest aldehyde. It melts at −92°C;, boils at −21°C;, and is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether; at STP, it is a flammable, poisonous, colorless gas with a suffocating levels that may cause short-term irritant ir·ri·tant adj. Causing irritation, especially physical irritation. n. A source of irritation. irritant, n 1. an agent that causes an irritation or stimulation. 2. effects. Unfortunately, nearly all classrooms have levels--like many indoor environments today--that may cause long-term irritation and contribute to cancer risk. "We were a bit surprised by the extent of some of the problems," says report co-author Peggy Jenkins, manager of the indoor program at the state Air Resources Board. The study, Environmental Health Conditions in California's Portable Classrooms, uncovers problems found in permanent and temporary classrooms when researchers from ARB and the Department of Health Services Department of Health Services may refer to:
It's not all bad news. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the report, study data does not support fears that severe environmental health problems are widespread. Still, many schools show problems. For example: * Ventilation is inadequate in about 40 percent of all classrooms. * In portables, teachers occasionally turn off noisy ventilation systems. * Floor dust testing showed elevated arsenic levels above the cancer risk level in most classrooms. * Nearly one-quarter of all classrooms had visible water stains--a sign of hidden mold. Indoor formaldehyde concentrations were generally highest during warmer seasons. The greater use of carpets and pressed-wood cabinetry, as well as proximity to vehicle traffic, in portables likely contribute to even higher levels of air pollutants. "We're trying to work with schools to ensure what they buy [to equip and furnish portables] is formaldehyde-free," says Judy Smith, executive director of Modular Building Modular buildings are sectional prefabricated buildings that are manufactured in a plant, and delivered to the customer in one or more complete modular sections. Modular buildings are considerably different from mobile homes. Institute, a non-profit International trade association. The report recommends using low- or no-emitting building materials Building materials used in the construction industry to create . These categories of materials and products are used by and construction project managers to specify the materials and methods used for . and products, plus a quiet ventilation system. Other priority actions include conducting basic safety and health self-assessments, and placing portables away from roadways. Resources Indoor Air Quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), chemicals (such as carbon monoxide, radon), allergens, or any mass or energy stressor Tools for Schools, www.epa.gov/iaq/schools School Planning Kit, www.chps.net/events/schoolPlanKit_form.htm Safe School Inspection Guidebook, www.laschools.org/oehs/inspection_guidebook.pdf |
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