In recent years, indoor air quality issues have become increasingly significant throughout the state of Connecticut. Asthma is the most common chronic illness among elementary school-age children and prevalence rates continue to increase. This study looks at the relationship between asthma prevalence in elementary school students and proxy measures of indoor air quality in schools such as average class size, number of permanent classrooms, number of portable/modular classrooms, year of construction, year of last major renovation, and the estimated percent utilization. A school district level analysis looks at the relationship between asthma prevalence rates, maintenance budget, per pupil cost, and total school budget. This study makes recommendations for both schools and school districts regarding indoor air quality risk factors and other school/district characteristics that may have significant impact on asthma levels. The findings of this study address the relationships between risk factors and suspected causes of childhood asthma with the indoor air quality of elementary schools.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Recognize the risk factors for an indoor air quality problem in a school. 2. Identify which indoor air quality risk factors have the most significant impact on asthma in elementary school-age children.
Keywords: Asthma, Indoor Environment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.