Indoor Air Quality in Schools

• Have your school’s ventilation system inspected regularly. Make sure that air vents are not blocked by furniture, boxes or other items. Open windows when it’s safe to do so.
• Replace air filters in heating and cooling systems regularly. Inspect and clean HVAC filters at least quarterly and replace when necessary.  
• Fix leaks, clean spills up quickly and keep relative humidity levels below 50% to prevent mold growth.
• Test for pollutants like radon, carbon monoxide and lead.

• Use safer products with less harmful chemicals.
• Keep classrooms, hallways, and common areas clean and free of dust and clutter.
• Store cleaning supplies properly and securely.
• Use walk-off mats to trap dirt at entryways. 

• Keep food areas clean to avoid attracting pests.
• Use integrated pest management (IPM), which focuses on safe, low-risk pest control methods.

• Use paints, flooring and furniture that are made with safer materials.
• Choose materials and products labeled as low-emission or non-toxic.
• Look for art supplies certified by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). This certification helps identify safer art supplies. Use the ACMI Certified Products Search Tool to find certified products.

• Teach students and staff why good air quality matters and what they can do to help.
• Set up clear steps for reporting indoor air quality problems so they can be fixed quickly.
• Post signs around the school with simple tips and reminders like keeping vents clear of clutter

• Learn how to inspect your school building to identify potential environmental health issues. Watch this video to learn how and use the online or printable self-guided building walkthrough tool.
• Document your findings and share them with your school health, wellness or safety team. 

Construction and renovation projects can improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency, but they can also expose students and staff to dust, debris and contaminants during renovation.

Here are some resources that can help:

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Design Tools for Schools Guidance
• IAQ management during construction planning
• Energy Savings Plus Health Guidelines

• Environmental Health Policy: A model policy that shows commitment to providing and maintaining a healthy, safe and productive environment for all people that use your school.
• Environmental Management Plan: A model plan that helps you to create an environmental health plan tailored to your school’s needs.
• Construction and Renovation Procedure: A model procedure for construction and renovation projects to protect the health of students and staff during school construction and renovation projects.
• HVAC Maintenance Procedure: A model procedure for managing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve indoor air quality in schools.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Procedure: A model procedure for safely managing pests in schools using integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
• Model Purchasing Procedure: A model procedure for purchasing products and materials that support a healthier school environment.  

You can apply to be recognized for your efforts to improve indoor air quality at your school. 

Fill out a form to apply for the Envision Certificate of Achievement

Explore the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website for information on maintaining healthy indoor air quality in schools.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) means purchasing products that have less impact on health and the environment. The State of Vermont maintains contracts for environmentally preferable products. Schools can purchase cleaning supplies at a negotiated rate through the janitorial supplies contracts.

Learn more about Environmentally Preferable Purchasing