For this and the reasons noted above, air quality in schools is of particular concern. Good indoor air quality contributes to a favorable learning environment for students, productivity for teachers and staff, and a sense of comfort, health, and well-being for school occupants. Understanding IAQ Problems and Solutions Over the past forty or fifty years, exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased due to a variety of factors, including the construction of more tightly sealed buildings, reduced ventilation rates to save energy, the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the use of chemically-formulated personal care products, pesticides, and housekeeping supplies. Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants Indoor air contaminants can begin within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. If pollutant sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can occur, even if the HVAC system is working properly.
Air pollutants consist of numerous particles, fibers, mists, molds, bacteria, and gases.
It may be helpful to think of air pollutant sources as fitting into one of the categories in the table shown below. In addition to the number of potential pollutants, indoor air pollutant levels can vary within the school building, or even a single classroom. Pollutants can also vary with time, such as only once each week when floor stripping is done, or continuously such as when fungi is growing in the HVAC system. Not all HVAC systems are designed to do all of these things. Some buildings rely only on natural ventilation.