What is indoor air quality (IAQ)? 

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside a building, influenced by factors such as pollutant levels, humidity, and temperature. While often overlooked, maintaining good quality is crucial for the health, learning, and overall well-being of students and faculty in K–12 schools. 

Maintaining IAQ in educational facilities is crucial, particularly in underserved communities where aging infrastructure and limited maintenance budgets present significant challenges. 

Factors contributing to poor indoor air quality 

The impact of poor indoor air quality in schools

The health effects of poor IAQ can be either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of exposure, while chronic effects may not manifest for years and are often due to prolonged exposure. Common health impacts include respiratory issues, allergies, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. 

These health issues can lead to decreased academic performance, as students may struggle to concentrate or miss school due to illness, further widening the educational achievement gap between students in underserved communities and their peers. Additionally, it can reduce teacher and staff performance, straining relationships among school administration. 

Although it might seem small, IAQ and its effects play an imperative role in our education systems — down to the student morale coming to a physically unkept and unsafe building, which doesn't promote inspiration. However, a healthy learning environment can reduce the absence rate, improve test scores, and enhance pupil-teacher learning and teaching productivity. 

How to improve indoor air quality

While the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have specific IAQ standards, they do provide guidelines for improving indoor air quality. 

There are many air monitoring applications designed to mitigate air quality risks, but the foundation begins with the primary HVAC systems. The type of air handling unit (AHU) and filters used — ranging from MERV 8 and 12 to MERV 13 HEPA filters, which capture smaller particles — are crucial. Preventative measures, like regular filter changes, are also essential. 

Ductwork leakage, inadequate ventilation, and the rate of outdoor fresh air supply to classrooms also play key roles. The outdoor environment and air quality often influence the best strategies for improving indoor air quality. For instance, in urban areas affected by the heat island effect, where outdoor air quality is poor, it may be better to keep windows closed and focus on fan filter units or vertical unit ventilators instead of relying on fresh air intake. 

Although this can be challenging for underserved schools, those with larger budgets might consider custom AHUs with built-in ionizers or UV lights, particularly in spaces like cafeterias. Once HVAC performance and air circulation are optimized, indoor air quality can be further improved with cost-effective solutions such as indoor air monitors, CO2 sensors, and portable HEPA filters. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has a recommended safety checklist program, and self-inspection checklist that school administration can use to address indoor air quality issues in their facilities. These steps are essential to ensure that students and staff have a safe and healthy learning environment. 

Securing funding for school MEP improvements 

Securing funding for building repairs and updates to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems is essential. Unfortunately, many places, like Philadelphia, face major challenges due to years of disinvestment. Additionally, environmental justice must be part of the conversation when addressing indoor air quality. 

Pennsylvania has begun to tackle the critical condition of its schools, acknowledging the current state of emergency. The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, established under Act 34, provides funding for essential upgrades such as heating and air conditioning systems, window replacements, lead and asbestos abatement, and other necessary improvements for eligible schools. 

Other organizations to monitor for additional funding include: 

• Department of Community and Economic Development: A vital resource for facility improvement grants 
• Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): Offers funding opportunities for educational facilities 
• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Renew America's Schools Program: Supports energy-efficient upgrades in schools 
• Local Grants: Organizations like the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation and the Barra Foundation provide additional funding opportunities. 

These resources are crucial for improving Pennsylvania's school facilities and addressing urgent infrastructure needs. 

Planning for future IAQ improvement projects 

Improving indoor air quality is not just a matter of maintaining clean air, but is also a matter of ensuring the health, safety, and academic success of students and staff, especially in underserved schools. Addressing IAQ challenges requires a comprehensive approach, from upgrading HVAC systems to securing vital funding for necessary repairs and improvements. While schools in communities with limited resources face substantial hurdles, targeted investments and the availability of grants provide a path forward.