• The Problem Defined
• Government Standards
• Improving Indoor Air Quality
• Ventilation Problems In Closed Schools
• Ventilation Problems in Schools With Windows
• Temperature and Relative Humidity
• Copying Equipment
• Pesticides
• Vocational and Art Classes
• Science Rooms and Laboratories
• Air Quality During Renovation Work
• Coal-Fueled Boilers
• Pollution From Outside Sources
• Resolving Indoor Air Quality Problems

Are capital funds available for ventilation work?

Although the UFT has secured some funds to improve air quality, billions of dollars are necessary to improve air quality and make our schools habitable in other ways as well. However, the city’s capital budget contains only a fraction of the money necessary. The UFT continues to seek additional funds for school repair and maintenance.

If improvements in ventilation are not feasible, can anything else be done to make air quality better in closed buildings?

Yes. The comfort and health of building occupants can be protected by identifying and controlling specific source pollutants such as copy machines, toxic materials used in shop and art classes and molds that proliferate in damp areas. These problems are discussed later.

Has the UFT done anything to prevent construction of closed buildings in the future?

Yes. The union secured a commitment from the Department of Education that all newly constructed schools will have operable windows and well-designed ventilation systems.

VENTILATION PROBLEMS IN
SCHOOLS WITH WINDOWS

What about schools with windows? Do they have ventilation problems?

Most schools rely on windows to provide) an adequate supply of outside air. Although they do not have sophisticated mechanical ventilation equipment, these buildings sometimes have a simple return air system that draws warm exhaust air into a vent and up to the roof, clearing the way for replacement air to enter the building through the windows.

When windows are broken and can’t be opened, or when people close them to shut out cold air, students and staff may experience headaches, drowsiness and other sick building symptoms.

How can ventilation be improved?

If the windows work, staff should open them periodically to air out their rooms even if it’;s too cold in the winter to keep them open all of the time. Try opening the windows two to four inches at the top and bottom every few hours for about 15 minutes. Letting in outside air will reduce the concentration of any pollutants that have accumulated.

In many schools, furniture or other obstacles block the return air or exhaust vents. It is important to locate and clear these grilles, which are often found along the front wall of the classroom or in the wardrobe. You can determine if the return air system is operating properly by holding a piece of paper or tissue across the vent; it should be pulled gently toward the grate. If there are problems, consult your UFT chapter leader.

Temperature and Relative Humidity

How do temperature and relative humidity affect the health and comfort of school staff and students?

During the months when schools are artificially heated and many rooms become too hot and dry (indicating low relative humidity), some staff and students experience symptoms similar to those associated with sick building syndrome. These may include eye irritation, dry nose and throat, and even nose bleeds. There is some evidence that low relative humidity also may be associated with reduced resistance to colds and flu.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers recommends that in winter indoor temperatures be maintained between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and in summer indoor temperatures be maintained between 73 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Relative humidity levels should be maintained between 30 and 60 percent. (Relative humidity is a ratio that compares the amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air could hold at a particular temperature.)

If your classroom or work area does not have its own thermostat, you can help to regulate both temperature and humidity by periodically opening windows during the heating season as described earlier. Unless the outside air is unusually dry, this will help to increase the relative humidity while lowering the room temperature. The higher the room temperature during heating season, the lower the relative humidity level and the more uncomfortable you will probably be. Maintaining room temperatures below 76 degrees Fahrenheit will help to maintain more comfortable humidity levels.

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