It is hard enough for teachers to get their students to pay attention. But bringing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) health concerns into the classroom - along with the associated sniffling, coughing, and sick days (used by students and staff alike) - create unnecessary barriers to learning. Air quality standards and procedures have been introduced by state and federal lawmakers to improve these conditions. And it turns out that cleaning for health with a quality vacuum is a key to expelling poor IAQ from the classroom.

Vacuuming with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) type cleaner is most effective when implementing an IAQ improvement program.

Setting the Bar
Smoking laws have been at the forefront of legislative efforts to improve IAQ, since it is consistently proven to be a major cause of health problems. Cigarette smoke is very obvious both visually and when inhaled by non-smokers, but according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, regulations for other indoor air pollutants are challenging to introduce because they are hard to define. Causes of poor IAQ are often difficult to track down and may occur at very low concentrations. At any time hundreds of different chemicals and pollutants could be lurking in a school. Building size, unfiltered outside air, and varying degrees of quality of cleaning and maintenance also come into play. Lawmakers are continuing to determine what contaminants to regulate and at what levels. Despite these challenges, federal and state health departments have introduced laws and programs to improve indoor health. There are laws in Washington and California for mold disclosure and remediation, and New Hampshire has established a standard for acceptable indoor levels of carbon dioxide and formaldehyde. OSHA has detailed indoor air standards for industrial occupational environments. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed Standard 62-1989 for the appropriate minimum ventilation requirements when designing HVAC systems.

Targeting the Classroom
Schools have become a focus on the battle against poor IAQ. Parents are more concerned than ever about the health of their children since schools are especially susceptible to air issues. Some factors for this include: schools can have up to four times more occupants than office buildings, tight budgets lead to cuts in janitorial staff, idling buses introduce diesel exhaust, and vocational, science and art programs are responsible for a wide range of chemicals and dirt entering the environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken the initiative by creating “Tools for Schools,” a voluntary guidance program for schools interested in resolving indoor air quality problems. Minnesota has enacted Law 123B.57 requiring its public school districts to monitor and improve IAQ based on “Tools for Schools.” The program provides best practices, industry guidelines, ideas for policies, and a sample IAQ management plan. It is a highly organized approach to coordinating an effort which includes training staff, evaluating risks, getting financing, and putting together a plan to clean the air.

Some policies that the EPA suggests to enforce an IAQ in schools program include:

• Animals in the classroom should be isolated to the extent possible and should be kept away from carpets, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys. Specific types of animals may be restricted from the classroom if expressed by staff, students or parents. Classroom pets should be placed away from return air ducts and from students with known allergy or asthma problems.

• Food should not be left in classrooms. When it is necessary to store food in classrooms, it must be kept in airtight, sealed containers to minimize the potential for pests, odors, and biological growth.

• Schools must use latex, water-based paints; using paints that contain mercury or lead is prohibited. Painting and drying should only occur when the area of the building is unoccupied and properly ventilated. It is also important to inform all affected staff and students before a painting job begins.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive strategy for controlling pests, pest-generated substances (such as cockroach fecal matter), and pesticides, which can act as irritants and trigger allergies and asthma. The district’s IPM program aims to reduce the frequency and magnitude of both pesticide use and pest problems.

Further regulations get into the care of carpeting, since it is a common choice for classrooms and administrative areas. The EPA recommends that carpeting always be kept dry and clean. Here’s how.

Cleaning for Health with the Right Vacuum
The Carpet and Rug Institute has developed a set of guidelines for vacuuming carpeting and other types of dust sinks like upholstered furnishings, cubicle walls and window coverings. They have determined that 90 to 95% of all dry soil by weight can be removed from carpet by following scheduled, routine vacuuming procedures. Essential practices involve preventative measures, such as using quality dust mats at facility entryways, establishing a regular vacuuming regimen, and scheduling extraction cleanings.

Choosing the right tool for the right job is key to a successful school vacuuming program. With thousands of square footage of high-traffic areas to clean daily, it is crucial to use a vacuum that is comfortable, powerful, and has a very effective filtration system.

Studies have shown that ergonomically designed backpack vacuums require less than half the energy and time to clean the same area as it would with an upright. When properly used, they reduce taxing repetitive motions and cut down on fatigue and stress to muscles. When considering a new vacuum, this style is recommended for efficient cleaning of large facilities like schools.

Vacuuming with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) type cleaner is most effective when implementing an IAQ improvement program. When considering a HEPA vacuum, make sure the model you are looking at is able to rid the air of 99.97% of particulate matter in the air down to 0.3 micron in size. At this level pollen, pet dander, mold, yeast, bacteria, and dust mite feces will be removed. One manufacturer takes cleaning effectiveness so seriously that their vacuums have a four level filtration system to keep these pollutants from ever leaving the machine. These technologies combine to reduce contaminants to levels that improve health in schools.

HEPA canister and backpack vacuums are best suited to cleaning at this high level. Uprights fitted with a powered beater bar tend to unseat trapped particulates in carpet and those settled on hard flooring, churning more into the air than into the vacuum. But a wand or hose with gliding floor tool attachments rely solely on powerful suction to capture dirt.

Once you have sorted out makes and models that meet the specifications, aim to purchase the vacuum from a reputable manufacturer. Look for companies that offer solid warranties on their products: one year is standard but some companies offer up to three years on parts, labor and the motor and lifetime on molded body parts. Also, look for companies that carry the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) seal of approval. This ensures the vacuums and filters have been tested and meet certain scientific standards for soil removal.

Once you have sorted out makes and models that meet the specifications, aim to purchase the vacuum from a reputable manufacturer.

Filter maintenance, installation and replacement require a high level of dedication on the part of the maintenance worker. Frequently emptying of the filter bag will ensure that the vacuum motor is not stressed, causing inefficient suction and potential mechanical failure. If the filter does not get installed properly, processed air bypasses it and escapes without being cleaned. Furthermore, the filters and units can be damaged if clumsily replaced.

On Your Way
With a bit of research and planning, the quality of health for students, teachers, administrators, and cleaning professionals will surely improve at your school. There are plenty of useful guidelines and quality tools to accomplish your goals. Now, who wants to get started on that term paper?

Dave Jansik is a Boise, Idaho-based freelance writer focusing on the Jan/San industry.

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