Poor air quality in schools spurs state to consider standards

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Poor air quality in schools spurs state to consider standards

September 26, 2000

By LINDA CONNER LAMBECK

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Theres poor ventilation at ide School in Norwalk, a humidity problem

at Fairfields McKinley School, and a gymnasium floor at Harding High in

Bridgeport that sits warped and waterlogged.

All contribute to poor air quality and can aggravate allergies and asthma.

But none of those conditions are regulated by state regulations. Yet.

Sen. McKinney, R-Fairfield, a ranking member of the Legislatures

Environment committee said the panel, in January, will recommend schools

begin to meet certain standards for indoor air quality.

" We know how to improve air quality but measures are not being taken to

correct it, " said McKinney. The, problem, he added, is worse than expected.

A 57-page report, received by the committee Monday, found as many as 68

percent of schools in the state have air quality problems.

The biggest culprit: improperly constructed or maintained heating,

ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and moisture in the schools

caused by leaky roofs or poor foundations.

Portable classrooms also present a unique set of indoor air quality issues,

largely because of inadequate HVAC systems, the report said.

McKinney said he was surprised to learn air quality problems are not just

inherent with older urban school buildings.

" It can happen anywhere, " he said.

Where there is moisture and poor ventilation there is usually mold spores

and bacteria which can spark allergic reactions and other symptoms such as

eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and lethargy.

" It degrades the whole teaching and learning experience, " McKinney said.

The report suggests the state give schools enough money to improve and

properly maintain air circulation. Currently routine maintenance doesnt

qualify for state reimbursement.

It also recommends the state establish a group to address what it calls

" sick building syndrome " by developing air quality standards and monitoring

compliance.

Right now, the state doesnt know for sure which schools have bad air, said

Werle, executive director of the Connecticut Academy of Science and

Engineering, which wrote the report.

CASE is a private, nonprofit corporation chartered by General Assembly in

1976 to provide science and technology advice.

" And there is no real way to address air quality problems except in a

remedial fashion, " said Werle. " Although there are engineering standards

available that specify the quantity of fresh air necessary for good indoor

air quality. "

McKinney said the environment committee, along with the education and public

health committees will work together to draft the proposed legislation.

Conner Lambeck, who covers regional education issues, can be reached

at 330-6218.