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The EPA's School Indoor Air Quality Newsletter
Spring 2025
Helpful Resources for Schools
View the recording for EPA’s webinar on Reducing Airborne Viruses in Schools: Optimizing Ventilation and Energy Efficiency and take a new online training
View the recording of the EPA’s February webinar to learn about the new, free Clean Air in Schools online training and the latest research and guidance on ventilation to reduce the spread of airborne viruses. Hear from experts discussing these topics and answering questions from attendees.
The EPA wants your feedback on webinar topics and expert speakers
The US EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program regularly hosts webinars focused on effective IAQ management in schools and are always looking for engaging topics and expert speakers to feature. If you have insights on best practices, emerging research, or real-world success stories that can help schools create healthier learning environments, EPA would like to hear from you. Share your topic suggestion or expert speaker recommendations with IAQSchools@epa.gov.
Learn strategies to reduce traffic-related pollutant exposures at schools
Installing vegetative barriers is one strategy schools adjacent to busy highways can consider to reduce traffic-related pollutant exposures, as identified in the EPA’s Best Practices for Reducing Near-Road Pollution Exposures at Schools. The pollutants can be trapped on leaves and branches, or the tall vegetative wall can force air up and away from people when the vegetation barrier is properly designed, installed and maintained. The EPA’s Science Matters newsletter recently published an overview of an EPA study at three Chicago, Illinois, area schools where vegetative barriers are being considered. An initial air monitoring field study was conducted by the EPA. The EPA researchers also provided an educational component where over 600 students and staff participated in indoor and outdoor educational sessions, introducing them to the research air monitors and discussing how air pollutants indoors and outdoors impact their health. An earlier 2016/2017 Vegetative Barrier Study also looked at outdoor air impacts and provided an educational component at an Oakland, California, school. Contact IAQSchools@epa.gov to connect with the EPA staff involved in this work.
Take the Healthy Child Care & Early Learning Facilities Self-Assessment
Use the EPA’s self-assessment to help ensure your childcare or early learning center provides an environment with greater health, safety and quality for children, families, and staff.
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Upcoming Events
Register for the EPA's webinar on Managing Indoor Air Quality Before and During Wildfire Smoke Events: Smoke-Ready Schools
Register now for the webinar on April 15 at 1:00pm ET. This webinar will provide public health and safety professionals, facility managers, and school administrators with actionable strategies and technical resources to prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke events using the EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools resources and Wildfires and IAQ in Schools and Commercial Buildings guidance, as well as the newly released ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 as a basis for planning and action.
Attend the DOE's 2025 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit
Register today for the U.S. Department of Energy's 2025 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit. The Summit will be held April 30 - May 2 in Washington, D.C. This 3-day event will feature interactive sessions that explore emerging technologies and share innovative strategies in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and water and waste reduction. Attendees take part in interactive sessions with industry experts and market leaders as well as multiple opportunities to network with peers. K-12 schools and districts are eligible for travel assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Asthma Awareness Month is almost here
You can prepare for Asthma Awareness Month in May by checking out the EPA's resources for promoting asthma awareness in your school and community. Resources include an event planning kit, graphics depicting indoor asthma triggers and ways to address them, our Managing Asthma in the School Environment guide, and more. Spread the word!
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