1. IAQ in Schools Responding to Inquiries, Complaints, and Requests for Assistance

2. IAQ Contaminants Mold & other bioaerosols Carbon monoxide & other combustion pollutants VOCs Sewer gas Asbestos Fiberglass Dust & other particles Tobacco smoke Other stuff IAQ is affected by a broad range of stuff

3. IAQ Problems What causes IAQ problems? Inadequate ventilation Poor housekeeping Poor maintenance Operations and activities Building design People The unexpected

4. IAQ Symptoms What are the most common IAQ symptoms? Eye, nose, and throat irritation Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing Headaches Fatigue Aggravated allergies and asthma Respiratory infections

5. Role of Public Health No regulatory authority Consultation and Assistance Respond to inquiries, educate Try to identify problems Recommend solutions Refer to internet and other resources Review sampling reports and work plans Attend public meetings

6. Role of Public Health Investigate real or potential IAQ/mold problem Visual Inspections Interview and Questionnaires Review Absenteeism Records Limited Testing Conclusions and Recommendations

7. Common Questions What do parents, teachers, and school administrators want to know? Is the IAQ making my child/students/teachers sick? There is an increased incidence of cancers, miscarriages, etc.. – is it the IAQ? Can IDPH test air quality in schools? Who can test the school for mold? How can we tell if the mold is “toxic”? What are the regulations?

8. IAQ Complaints What are the most common complaints? Mold Dead, stale, or stuffy air Poor housekeeping Odors Too hot or too cold

9. Common Mistakes Lack of Communication Poor Maintenance Scheduling operations & maintenance activities during session Where are schools going wrong?

10. IAQ Tips and Tools Use common sense Visual Survey Communicate with people Take complaints seriously Keep complaint logs People are complaining about IAQ. Now what?

11. Visual Surveys Water damage or visible mold Noticeable odors Obvious sources & pathways Placement of the outdoor air intakes Dust or debris Occupant activities What clues should you look for?

12. Take Communication Seriously Get complaint details Who is complaining? What is the nature of the complaint? When did the problem start? When does the problem occur? Where does the problem occur? Is anyone getting sick? Respond to the complaint Inform the complainant of corrective action taken Keep a log

13. Challenges Public Health Faces Late involvement Solution: Improved communication Periods of high call volume Solution: Schedule O&M activities during breaks Deciphering magnitude of the problem Solution: Keeping complaint logs Misconceptions by the media

14. Who can I call for help? IDPH Central Office: (217) 782-5830 West Chicago Region: (630) 293-6800 USEPA Region 5, Chicago: (312) 353-2205 IAQ Resources

15. Internet IAQ Resources www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/toxtemp www.epa.gov/iaq www.cal-iaq.org www.cdc.gov/niosh www.lungsusa.org www.moldupdate.com

16. Mold Resources IDPH Fact Sheets Mold and Mildew Moisture in the Home Stachybotrys USEPA Mold Remediation Document [http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html]

17. Questions?