It's in the air: Common health problems in poorly maintained schools
(From American Teacher, Nov. 1997)

Here are some of the health problems that commonly occur in poorly maintained school buildings:

• Moisture in buildings contributes to increased complaints of allergies and asthma, as well as chronic sinus infections and bronchitis, among staff and students. That leaking roof, plumbing leak, flood or even high humidity (more than 70 percent relative humidity) promote mold and bacteria growth. AFT health and safety expert Darryl Alexander notes that asthmatic children and school staff are especially at risk of an increased incidence of asthma attacks after prolonged exposure to moisture, mold and bacteria.
  
  Fortunately, if the moisture is controlled and saturated building materials, school papers, carpets and other furnishings are removed, the number of health problems drops significantly. "Employees should notify the school's administration whenever they notice water stains or mold growth," says Alexander.

• Poorly ventilated classrooms can increase potential exposure to communicable diseases for staff and students alike. More studies are confirming that classrooms without decent ventilation increase the exposure of occupants to a wide range of communicable diseases such as influenza, colds, chicken pox and measles. Vulnerable students and staff--for example, those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and heart conditions--are especially at risk of becoming infected. Employees with any chronic condition and women of child-bearing age should discuss their immunization history with their physicians, who may advise new immunizations.

• Inadequately ventilated workrooms are responsible for a range of health complaints. Food service staff working in kitchens with poor ventilation risk heat exhaustion and respiratory problems. School staff who use duplicating machines with methanol (spirit) fluids in poorly ventilated rooms often complain of headaches and irritated eyes, noses and throats. Duplicating machines can be moved to areas with better ventilation, and safer duplicating spirits can be used.

• Poorly controlled renovation and construction projects during school hours may cause a host of problems. Most staff and students welcome the repair and renovation of schools, says Alexander; however, problems can result when contractors don't take measures to ensure that students and staff are not exposed to construction materials such as roofing tar, paints and solvents. Headaches and eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as worsening asthma and respiratory problems, have been documented in these situations. Schools should ensure that contractors seal off areas of construction from the school's main ventilation system.

With the help of the AFT, several locals have organized health and safety committees. These committees have improved conditions in schools by investigating member reports and directing the administration's attention to problems such as asbestos exposure and inadequate ventilation.