Priority IAQ
Concern
Health Effects and Potential
Exposure Locations
IAQ Considerations After the Building Upgrade
Exhaust
Ventilation
Health Effects
Although schools can use HVAC
systems to control moisture and
dilute pollutants, rooms with
significant moisture generation
or rooms with strong, localized
sources of pollutants (e.g., where
VOC-containing products are
stored or used) often require ex
haust systems to ensure adequate
IAQ.
The health effects that often can
be reduced by dedicated exhaust
systems are documented in the
preceding sections of this appen
dix: "Moisture Control and Mold,"
"Building Products/ Materials
Emissions," and "Vented Com
bustion Appliances and Unvented
Combustion Appliances."
Potential Exposure Locations
Locker rooms, bathrooms, laun
dries and other areas with fre
quent levels of high humidity
are at increased risk of mold and
mildew.
Examples of spaces with strong,
localized contaminant sources
include art rooms, science labora
tories, kitchens, woodwork shops,
machine shops and janitors'
closets.
Building improvement projects
may use adhesives, sealants,
paints and coatings that contain
VOCs in high concentrations.
Further Reading
Priority Issue 20.0 Exhaust
Ventilation
Administrator and Staff Education
Ensure that teachers, administrators and maintenance staff know where
to store chemicals, especially if storage closets with dedicated exhaust
systems are located in the school.
Teachers and staff who regularly store and use chemicals should have
information on EPA Toolkit for Safe Chemical Management in K–12
Schools
Occupant Feedback
Provide a system for school occupants to communicate moisture and
odor complaints, as complaints may stem from deficient exhaust
systems.
96 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL BUILDING UPGRADES
