Indoor Air Quality in Schools Deserves Urgent Attention

Children smiling and raising their hands in a bright, modern classroom. A badge reads “May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” from the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program. Indoor air quality in schools

As we enter the final week of Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, we are focusing on one of the most important topics to date : the quality of the air our children breathe at school. May is also Building Safety Month, reminding us that healthy learning environments begin with the foundational systems that support them, including indoor air quality in schools.

Children spend up to 1,000 hours in school each year. During that time, the air they breathe can have a profound impact on their health, cognitive performance, and academic outcomes. Research shows that:

These are not just health statistics, they are educational performance metrics, too.

The Air They Breathe: What’s in It?

When indoor air quality is compromised, students may be exposed to a variety of pollutants:

  • Dust and Mold: Dust harbors allergens like dust mite debris. Mold, common in older or poorly maintained buildings, can trigger or worsen respiratory symptoms.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted by paints, adhesives, flooring, cleaning products, and furnishings, VOCs can contribute to poor IAQ and long-term health issues.
  • Bacteria and Viruses: Crowded classrooms with poor ventilation can allow pathogens to spread quickly, increasing absenteeism.
  • Excess CO₂: Elevated carbon dioxide levels due to poor ventilation can lead to drowsiness, headaches, and reduced attention spans.
  • Outdoor Pollution: Traffic-related emissions from idling buses or cars can infiltrate classrooms, especially in urban schools.

The Impact on Health and Learning

Poor IAQ affects both physical health and academic success. Exposure to pollutants and allergens can:

  • Aggravate asthma and allergies
  • Cause headaches, sinus issues, or fatigue
  • Impair concentration and learning
  • Increase absenteeism and decrease test scores

Poor IAQ also affects teachers and staff, reducing comfort and increasing turnover. A healthy indoor environment supports the entire school community.

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Improving IAQ doesn’t require massive overhauls. Small, evidence-based changes can make a big difference. Here are some strategies:

  1. Increase Ventilation

Open windows when outdoor air quality is good, maintain exhaust systems, and ensure HVAC systems operate efficiently.

  1. Choose Low-VOC Materials

Renovations and new furnishings should prioritize low-emitting materials. Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® flooring, insulation, and paints from partners like Tarkett, Knauf, Benjamin Moore, True Value, and Master Paints are tested to emit fewer harmful chemicals.

  1. Maintain HVAC Systems

Replace filters regularly using trusted solutions such as the innovative  Filtrete™ Air Filters from 3M and Kleenex®, which offer Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® filtration.

  1. Control Humidity

Maintain humidity between 40–50% to deter mold growth. Promptly repair leaks and any water damage.

  1. Upgrade Flooring

Choose flooring that is easy to clean and low-emitting. Certified flooring like that from Tarkett, ensures easier allergen removal without increasing airborne levels during and after cleaning.

  1. Use Certified Air Purifiers

Air purifiers from Blueair, LG, Rabbit Air, CleanForce, and Alen have been tested to reduce airborne allergens effectively and are an excellent addition to classroom environments.

  1. Choose Certified Cleaning Products

Daily cleaning should support health, not harm it. Products from Renegade Brands and Granite Gold are Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly®, tested to remove allergens and emit minimal VOCs.

  1. Ban Vehicle Idling

Implement no-idling zones around school grounds to limit pollution from buses and cars.

Infographic on improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools during Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. It highlights ventilation, maintenance, certified building materials, and low-VOC cleaning products as key actions.

Why Certification Matters

Terms like “hypoallergenic” are unregulated marketing terms. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, developed with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), offers independent, science-based validation that products meet stringent health-based criteria.

Certified products aren’t just good for students with asthma and allergies, they support better air quality for everyone in the school building.

Conclusion: Healthy Schools Start with Healthy Air

According to the EPA, half of U.S. schools have issues with indoor air quality. With so much at stake -health, attendance, and academic success- improving school air is not optional, it’s essential.

As this year’s Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month draws to a close, and as we recognize Building Safety Month, now is the time to take action. Whether you’re a school administrator, teacher, parent, or policymaker, consider how Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® products and smart building practices can help our students breathe easier and thrive.