Students and teachers in many parts of the country have already returned to class, while others start the new school year after Labor Day. Regardless of when the school year begins, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of classrooms and other learning facilities is an essential component for everyone's well-being and ability to learn.
Even with extra government funding to improve HVAC systems to battle the pandemic, many schools, colleges, and universities face a myriad of challenges when it comes to providing a healthy learning environment. Over the years, many have had reduced or limited maintenance and operating budgets. In some instances, this has resulted in a lack of preventive building maintenance and delayed repairs which can lead to IEQ problems. Poor IEQ is not just a comfort issue, exposure to elevated levels of particulates, chemicals or biological contaminants can result in health concerns and learning challenges.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Evidence from schools and office building studies demonstrate that various environmental conditions are closely associated with the incidence of measurable adverse health effects, and that indoor air quality problems can result in increased absences because of respiratory infections, allergic diseases from biological contaminants, or adverse reactions to chemicals used in the building.
“This past summer saw a rise in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the country,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “School administrators and facility managers are tasked with creating healthy indoor environmental conditions. A focus on proper ventilation and filtration for air quality, and cleaning and disinfection procedures for surfaces are going to be key components. Even flushing building water systems to minimize Legionella exposure risks in facilities that were closed or barely used during the summer months is important.”
The building science, infection control, and indoor environmental quality professionals at CTSI have decades of experience helping schools, colleges, and universities create optimal indoor conditions. With offices in New York and Florida serving clients nationwide, CTSI provides air, surface, and water testing and consulting services. Their professionals identify and mitigate exposure risks to a wide range of potential microbial, chemical, and even radiological hazards.
To learn more about this or other building science, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, infection control, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.
About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI's reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals' concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.
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