1. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Maryann Suero, PhD US Environmental Protection Agency suero.maryann@epa.gov 312-886-9077 Part 2: Improving School Environmental Health

2. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Objectives: To Understand rationale for integrated approach to improving school environments Understand benefits of periodic school assessment Gain skills to make informed decisions for reducing toxic exposures using evidence- based, no-cost / low cost integrated strategies that will ensure schools are healthier and safer

3. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Indoor Environmental Concerns that Could Cause Bigger Problems Moisture Intrusion Chemical Mishandling Building Materials of Concern Building Maintenance Issues Occupants’ Influences Outside Influences

4. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Challenges for Improving Environmental Health in Schools Schools may be unaware of issues Lack funds for remediation Vulnerable populations; high population density No clear authority or guidelines Hazardous chemicals, “unsophisticated” users Emerging issues Many competing priorities Can’t do everything at once

5. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Consequences of Unresolved Environmental Concerns

6. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Moisture / Water Intrusion Mold Asthma and Allergy Exacerbation

7. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Structural Damage Moisture / Water Intrusion

8. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Structural Damage Pests Lead Poisoning Fire Injuries

9. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Asthma and Allergy Exacerbation Pests Pesticide

10. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Pesticide

11. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Moisture Mold Structural Damage Asthma and Allergy Exacerbation Structural Damage Asthma and Allergy Exacerbation Mold Asthma and Allergy Exacerbation Mold Asthma and Allergy Exacerbation Courtesy of CDC

12. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments “Ounce of Prevention” Approach Environmental Management System (EMS) A way to assess and continually improve the environment Work in a stepwise fashion to address learning environment in an integrated and comprehensive way Use existing tools Build on existing efforts 12

13. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Model School EMS For Continuous Improvement 13

14. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Holistic Approaches to Healthy Learning Environments Primary prevention Environmental management system approach Healthier Learning Environments Healthier, More Productive Students & Staff 14

15. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Focus on Primary Prevention Most hazards can be avoided through good maintenance based on common sense principles – Ensure good ventilation – Control moisture, reduce water damage – Properly vent combustion appliances – Consciously work to avoid or reduce exposure to toxics Include injury prevention / other hazards – Slip / trip / falls – Electrical 15

16. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Model School EH Program http://epa.gov/schools/ehguidelines/

17. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Some Benefits of a School EMS Reduce Hazards to students, faculty, staff, visitors in schools Reduce Liability (reduce insurance costs???) Increase Environmental Stewardship Improve Communications Improve Relationships – Students / Parents / Administration – Faculty / Staff / Administration 17

18. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments What Might a School EMS Look Like? Develop an environmental policy Self-audit / assessment Use a pollution prevention approach Training / awareness / competence On-going evaluation / improvement Improve communications One step at a time!!!!! 18 What gets measured, gets managed What gets assessed, gets addressed

19. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Benefits of Periodic Facility Assessment Identify and correct hazards before they result in: – productivity and performance losses – school closures – costly building clean-ups – regulatory enforcement actions – community concern and media attention Collect school- and hazard- specific data necessary to make a case for needed renovation, repair and maintenance dollars Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety 19 Active

20. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Why assess? Identify areas / issues that have improved Identify areas / issues where improvement is needed What gets assessed gets addressed 20

21. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Some School EH Assessment Tools ToolAppropriate for From Healthy School Environment Assessment Tool (Healthy SEAT) DistrictUS EPAwww.epa.gov/schools/healthyseat/ Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools District School Classroom US EPAwww.epa.gov/iaq/schools/ Sensible StepsDistrict School Classroom US EPAwww.epa.gov/region10/pdf/childrenshe alth/quick_assessment_checklist_for_sch ools.pdf Healthy Schools = Healthy Learning SchoolIL Department of Public Health app.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/healthysc hools/

22. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Virtual Assessment

23. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments

26. Building Air Intake

27. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments

30. Wrap Up “Ounce of Prevention” Approach Environmental Management System Carry out Periodic Assessments Work in a stepwise fashion to address school environment in an integrated and comprehensive way Use / adapt existing tools Build on existing efforts Reach out to USEPA; we can provide on-site training, non-regulatory technical assistance One step at a time!

31. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Pillar One: Net zero environmental impact Pillar Two: The school improves the health and performance of students and staff – An integrated school environmental health program – High standards of nutrition, fitness, and quantity of quality outdoor time Pillar Three: 100% of school’s graduates are environmentally and sustainability literate Apply to ISBE, more at http://www.isbe.net/green_ribbon/

32. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments Maryann Suero, PhD US Environmental Protection Agency suero.maryann@epa.gov 312-886-9077