Students with underlying health conditions such as allergies, asthma, cancer or who are transplant recipients, are the most susceptible to airborne contaminants. Stooke adds that some school-aged children with developmental disabilities may not have the verbal skills to explain if something s wrong. She stresses that children have no choice about the chemicals in their environment - it s up to adults. While there are some very healthy schools out there, Stooke would like to see a system in place in every school that would monitor and respond to indoor air quality problems. Such a system should detect unsafe carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide levels caused by inadequate ventilation.
Biological contaminants are also a concern.
Stooke s research will examine the effect that cleaning up unhealthy moulds has on students grades and attendance. One of the best ways to avoid mould growth in the first place, she says, is to quickly zero in on moisture problems caused by broken pipes, wet walls or standing water. Joseph is developing guidelines for sustainable hotels. He says sustainability is all about taking an environmentally friendly approach to life. Vacationers can become environmental fiends when they arrive at the hotel, he says.