Air Quality

For most school children and staff, the second largest contributor to their radon exposure is likely to be their school. In 2021, the Vermont legislature passed a law requiring all schools to test for radon.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, is the name given to substances that contain carbon and evaporate or “off-gases” at room temperature.

The Envision Program best practices are intended to provide school administrators, nurses, maintenance and building services staff with tools to use when planning for renovations, preventative maintenance, pest management and control, monitoring of drinking water, and other building activities.

Arsenic is a natural element found in rocks and soil and is often found in well water. It can also come from human activities and is used in some consumer products. Over time, arsenic causes cancer along with other health...

Benzene is the name of an aromatic hydrocarbon, C 6H 6. In liquid form, benzene is clear, colorless, and flammable.

Ozone is a colorless gas with a noticeable smell. Although ozone is naturally found in the atmosphere, it is also a main part of air pollution called smog.

“Particulate” is a general name given to a tiny solid or liquid particle or piece of matter. It usually refers to particles in the air (airborne particulates).

At room temperature, metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white liquid. Breathing in vapors of metallic mercury can cause health effects.

Chemicals in Carpets Most carpet is made with synthetic (human-made) materials. However, carpets can also be made of wool or other natural materials. Most carpet has at least two parts: the cushion or pad for support and noise reduction, and...

Outdoor air can contain pollutants. Air pollution has been linked to specific health problems—such as asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer.