Derek Shendell, MPH, DEnv¹, Claire L. Barnett, MBA², and Stephen Boese, MSW². (1) CAL Community Action to Fight Asthma and HSN Consultant, 1515 Clay, Suite 1700, Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 622-4444, dgshendell@earthlink.net, (2) Healthy Schools Network, Inc., 773 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12208

U.S. Government Accounting Office reports documented survey results on the generally poor conditions of school facilities as of the early 1990s. More recently, the American Society of Civil Engineers conducted a survey, which reported widespread poor conditions. In addition, previous review papers examined studies, for different time intervals ending before 2002, concerning relationships between educational facility indoor air and environmental quality (IEQ), including adequate ventilation, and occupant health. Beyond work done throughout California and the Nordic countries, research on IEQ specifically related to new or refurbished traditional school construction, or modular classrooms, has been limited. This presentation is not another review on the quantitative and qualitative IEQ measurements and/or quantitative and self-reported health symptom data collected in schools or from school age children at home. Instead, based on a concise review of the literature (to fall 2003) and in the context of limited resources facing American schools, we present 18 practical, science-based recommendations to improve and promote good school IEQ. The goal is to prevent or reduce potential occupant exposure to biological, chemical, and physical agents of concern. We included 302 citations directly involving or highly related to school IEQ and occupant health, attendance, and productivity or performance. References included 147 peer-reviewed journal papers; 98 papers or abstracts published in conference proceedings and journals; 39 government reports (26 federal, 12 CA, 1 WA); three WHO documents; 13 reports by non-profits; two doctoral theses. This presentation is for various school stakeholders and policy makers to drive change in local school districts.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to list and describe the major biological, chemical, and physical agents occupants of school classrooms may be exposed to, and recognize actions to mitigate or prevent those potential exposures.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures, School Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.