Indoor Air Quality Program

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the health and comfort-related conditions inside a building designed for human occupancy. Contributing factors include air temperature, relative humidity levels, airborne and surface contaminant concentrations, lighting, and noise. A building's IAQ is typically considered acceptable if occupants are not exposed to harmful contaminant concentrations and a large majority of the occupants are satisfied with indoor air conditions.

Occupants' perceptions of IAQ can vary because of individual sensitivities to chemical or biological contaminants and differences in temperature/humidity preferences. IAQ perceptions can also be affected by issues that are not associated with building conditions, such as unrelated health problems and psychosocial factors (work-related or personal stress). 

The LCPS Environmental Health and Safety Division is charged with investigating and addressing IAQ problems related to physical systems and building use processes at LCPS facilities, including ventilation systems, contaminant sources, and occupant activities. 

Reporting IAQ Problems
Problems related to indoor environmental conditions include health concerns associated with building or room conditions, unusual odors, moisture problems, and suspected mold growth. LCPS personnel and parents can report these types of problems to the LCPS Environmental Health and Safety Division by contacting their school administrator and requesting the submittal of a work order for Environmental Services. Provide as much detail as possible about the location and nature of the complaint to assist in prompt investigation and resolution.

LCPS Indoor Air Quality Investigation Procedures
The primary response when investigating indoor air quality concerns is a thorough inspection of the areas in question by an LCPS Environmental Specialist to identify potential causes for the complaint. This inspection is based upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s IAQ Tools for Schools Best Practices. The LCPS Facilities work order database is first reviewed for any previously reported air quality concerns or incidents of water intrusion. An inspector then checks for visible mold growth, abnormal odors, and signs of water intrusion within the occupied space and in areas above the ceilings. HVAC systems serving the area in question are also inspected. During these inspections, primary occupants (e.g., teachers in classroom spaces) are asked about the conditions of the room and any specific concerns. Quantitative measurements of indoor air conditions (air temperature, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations, relative humidity levels) and moisture content of building materials and room surfaces are collected and analyzed. 

The LCPS Environmental Specialist determines and coordinates corrective actions, if needed, through the LCPS Facilities Services department and/or third-party contractors. Airborne spore trap sampling is sometimes performed as a supplementary response depending on observations made during the primary inspection.*

The LCPS Environmental Health and Safety Division notifies the Principal (or designated facility administrator) of identified problems and planned corrective actions. The facility administrator may choose to notify the complainant and other interested individuals or may request LCPS Environmental Health and Safety Division complete this communication.

* Air sampling is considered a secondary analytical tool, generally a post-remediation confirmation method. Spore trap analysis is performed by a Virginia-accredited Environmental Microbiology laboratory using ANSI/ISO analysis methods. All contracted laboratories participate in the AIHA laboratory proficiency program. There are no regulatory standards or guidelines established for determining acceptable levels. When interpreting spore trap results, acceptable levels and ranges are based on industry best practices. The accepted method involves a comparative assessment of total mold spore concentrations between indoor/suspect area samples and outdoor samples collected during a single sampling effort. It is not possible to eliminate all molds or mold spores in the indoor environment. LCPS strives to maintain the industry-accepted standard of indoor air mold spore concentrations below outdoor concentrations. 

How Can I Improve IAQ in my Building?
Occupants play a major role in ensuring acceptable IAQ in their buildings. Teachers and personnel can review and implement the tips below and evaluate their workspace using detailed checklists provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ventilation  

  • Allow ventilation units to operate continuously, as designed.

  • Keep all ventilation grilles and diffusers clear of airflow obstructions (books, papers, posters, furniture, plants, boxes, etc.).

  • Keep thermostats clear of obstructions (such as papers, posters, and shelves) and heat-generating items (computers, televisions, coffee machines, aquariums, and lamps).

  • Do not attempt to adjust wall-mounted pneumatic thermostats, which are easily damaged. Report uncomfortable room temperatures to administrative or building service staff.

  • Do not bring portable space heaters to the building.

  • Maintain at least three feet of clearance in front of wall-mounted ventilation units to allow access for routine preventive maintenance by facilities and building service staff.

  • Promptly report ventilation-related problems (unusual noises or odors, temperature control problems, airflow problems) to administrative or building service staff.

Potential Contaminants  

  • Do not bring chemical products (cleaning products, maintenance products, office products, room deodorizers, art and science supplies, etc.) to the building unless they have been approved for use in LCPS facilities.

  • Do not bring pesticides to the building. Virginia law prohibits pesticide application on school grounds by personnel other than certified applicators.

  • Promptly report water leaks, unexpected moisture on room surfaces, mold growth, and pest activity to administrative or building service staff.

  • Report damaged paint (on walls, window frames, doors, etc.) to building service staff.

  • Comply with LCPS Science Safety Manual and LCPS Risk Management Office requirements if animals will be brought to the building for educational purposes.

  • Limit placement of potted plants in the building.


Cleanliness  

  • Store loose items in containers that can be easily cleaned.

  • Limit or remove items that readily collect and retain dust, such as upholstered furniture and pillows, stuffed animals, throw rugs, and wall decorations.

  • Ensure that spills (especially on carpets) are cleaned promptly.