Responding to and preventing IAQ problems in schools.

States that the poor indoor air quality of US schools has become a real concern for students, parents and educators. This article discusses why the problem exists. A second article is to cover source management and mechanical controls, and a third will provide a summary and list addional resources. States that modern schools are differently designed; buildings used to be able to handle small, common rainwater leaks without growing mould because they were constructed of masonry, steel, ceramics and plaster. The same leaks now result in mould growth on the paper and wood products that are more frequently used in schools. The increased use of air conditioning contributes to mould problems by chilling indoor surfaces below the dewpoint of outdoor air. Also, a renewed focus on energy efficiency has led to airtight buildings often with poor ventilation. Schools are particularly problematic because of the diverse array of applications and high density of occupants; science labs, auto, wood, metal, beauty and print shops, art studios, and food services. Discusses methods of preventing and solving IAQ problems based on intervening at source. The points are: educate people; keep the building dry, clean and pest free; manage potential sources; exhaust ventilate stationary contaminant sources; provide dilution ventilation for contaminants from people and other sources that cannot be exhaust vented; reduce unplanned airflows.