The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes poor indoor air quality as the number one environmental health problem of all Americans.  Nowhere is the problem more evident than in the school setting.  Typical problems include: 

Lack of fresh air and poor ventilation

The trend over the years has been to make schools air-tight in an effort to reduce energy costs.  Too often, this creates an environment with too little fresh air, which, in turn, can cause headaches, fatigue, inability to concentrate and dry and itchy eyes, nose and throat.

For example, paraprofessionals who are asked to spend hours working with duplicating machines, food service workers who have to cope with fumes from grills and other kitchen appliances and garage mechanics who are exposed to exhaust emissions are especially susceptible to poor ventilation problems.

Molds and bacteria

School buildings, particularly in the south, are often too humid.  This condition promotes overgrowth of bacteria, molds and fungus on surfaces, carpets and furniture.  Exposure to molds can make allergy sufferers miserable and contribute to the development of new allergies and asthma.  Leaking roofs and plumbing as well as poorly maintained water cooling towers can also breed unwanted bugs.

Radon gas

Nearly 20% of schools in this country have one ground-contact room that has radon gas concentrations that exceed the current safe level.  Radon is a colorless/odorless gas that can only be detected by monitoring.