Resources
In addition to the many opportunities to take action to improve IAQ, there are also many resources to support any and all activities. Healthy Air, Healthy Kids has developed materials to provide you with information and support in any efforts to improve IAQ.
However, there are many other resources out there for teachers and association staff who are interested in going above and beyond. For teachers who want to incorporate curriculum in their classrooms or associations that want to make sure there is an adequate asthma management program or for whatever you want to do, there are resources to support you.
Teachers
In addition to our many partners who can provide you with resources and useful information, there are many organizations that can help support any healthy air project you are undertaking.
Change the Way You Clean
Interested in learning about environmentally preferable cleaners? These resources can help you identify and properly use green cleaning products.
Environmental Choice (EcoLogo)
Green Seal
Curriculum Opportunities
There are many ways to incorporate strategies for improving indoor air quality and reducing asthma triggers into you curriculum. A variety of organizations provide supplemental curriculum that corresponds directly with state mandated standards in math, English, science, history, and more. California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI): A California initiative to create environmental curriculum tied to the content standards.
CREEC (California Regional Environmental Education Community): A network providing educators with access to environmental education resources.
Earth Day Educators Network : Join a network of teachers and receive curriculum resources.
Green Chemistry Education, EPA : The EPA can provide teachers with ways to incorporate green chemistry into their curriculum.
Green Teacher : A monthly magazine for teachers interested in incorporating environmental issues into curriculum.
National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network : Provides educators with new information and news regarding the health and safety of students and school staff.
Student Engagement
If you are interested in supplementing curriculum and activities with green projects, here are some organizations that can provide you with support and resources. Alliance to Save Energy’s Green Schools Program : Students are engaged in energy saving activities and education. California Climate Champions : Students grades 9-12 have the opportunity to complete and implement individual projects to address climate change. Green Squad: The National Resources Defense Council’s project to engage students in greening the school. Solar Schoolhouse : Students learn about how solar energy works and have opportunities to create their own solar powered projects.
Creating a Safe Workplace
As a teacher, you spend many hours inside a classroom. There are resources available to provide you with information on how to make sure the air inside your workplace is safe and to help you understand the health risks of working in an environmentally unfriendly building.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology : Information on occupational asthma.
American Lung Association : The American Lung Association provides information on work-related and occupational asthma. Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics : A comprehensive list of the asthma causing substances that are found in work-related spaces.
CDC/NIOSH Safety and Health Asthma Page : Learn about the asthma and allergy triggers that could be lurking in your classroom.
General Information and Resources
These resources can provide you with additional information about environmental health and asthma. California Asthma Partners (CAP): This group consists of representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations who are working to implement the Strategic Plan for Asthma in California.
Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN): Information and resources on protecting the environmental health of children.
Green Schools Initiative : A California based organization that provides information and resources to schools interested in green cleaning, environmental projects, and other related initiatives.
Healthy Schools Network: Provides resources and guides to help educate individuals about environmental practices, specifically focused at the school site.
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project (JP4): A list of some of the most hazardous cleaning products.
National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network : Provides educators with new information and news regarding the health and safety of students and school staff.
Change the Way You Clean
Interested in learning about environmentally preferable cleaners? These resources can help you identify and properly use green cleaning products.
Environmental Choice (EcoLogo)
Green Seal
Curriculum Opportunities
There are many ways to incorporate strategies for improving indoor air quality and reducing asthma triggers into you curriculum. A variety of organizations provide supplemental curriculum that corresponds directly with state mandated standards in math, English, science, history, and more. California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI): A California initiative to create environmental curriculum tied to the content standards.
CREEC (California Regional Environmental Education Community): A network providing educators with access to environmental education resources.
Earth Day Educators Network : Join a network of teachers and receive curriculum resources.
Green Chemistry Education, EPA : The EPA can provide teachers with ways to incorporate green chemistry into their curriculum.
Green Teacher : A monthly magazine for teachers interested in incorporating environmental issues into curriculum.
National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network : Provides educators with new information and news regarding the health and safety of students and school staff.
Student Engagement
If you are interested in supplementing curriculum and activities with green projects, here are some organizations that can provide you with support and resources. Alliance to Save Energy’s Green Schools Program : Students are engaged in energy saving activities and education. California Climate Champions : Students grades 9-12 have the opportunity to complete and implement individual projects to address climate change. Green Squad: The National Resources Defense Council’s project to engage students in greening the school. Solar Schoolhouse : Students learn about how solar energy works and have opportunities to create their own solar powered projects.
Creating a Safe Workplace
As a teacher, you spend many hours inside a classroom. There are resources available to provide you with information on how to make sure the air inside your workplace is safe and to help you understand the health risks of working in an environmentally unfriendly building.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology : Information on occupational asthma.
American Lung Association : The American Lung Association provides information on work-related and occupational asthma. Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics : A comprehensive list of the asthma causing substances that are found in work-related spaces.
CDC/NIOSH Safety and Health Asthma Page : Learn about the asthma and allergy triggers that could be lurking in your classroom.
General Information and Resources
These resources can provide you with additional information about environmental health and asthma. California Asthma Partners (CAP): This group consists of representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations who are working to implement the Strategic Plan for Asthma in California.
Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN): Information and resources on protecting the environmental health of children.
Green Schools Initiative : A California based organization that provides information and resources to schools interested in green cleaning, environmental projects, and other related initiatives.
Healthy Schools Network: Provides resources and guides to help educate individuals about environmental practices, specifically focused at the school site.
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project (JP4): A list of some of the most hazardous cleaning products.
National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network : Provides educators with new information and news regarding the health and safety of students and school staff.
Local Associations
In addition to our many partners who can provide you with resources and useful information, there are many organizations that can help support any healthy air project you are undertaking and help you to engage your teachers and school district.
Promote Green Cleaning in Your District
Some districts have already made the switch to environmentally preferable cleaners, but there are still many districts using more toxic and harmful chemicals to clean the classroom. Using environmentally preferable cleaners is not only better for the environment and student, teacher, and staff health, but it can often cost less than traditional cleaners.
Cleaning for Healthy Schools: This organization provides a toolkit to help schools and childcare settings adopt healthier cleaning practices.
Environmental Choice (EcoLogo: A listing of certified environmentally preferable cleaners.
Green Purchasing Institute: An expert on purchasing and identifying environmentally preferable cleaners. Contact Alicia Culver for more information (alicia@greenpurchasing.org).
Green Schools Buying Guide: A resource to help schools and districts make decisions about the cleaning products they purchase.
Green Seal : A listing of certified environmentally preferable cleaners.
Healthy Schools Campaign Green Cleaning Guide: A free online resource providing information on how to switch to green cleaning practices.
INFORM’s Cleaning for Health: A project that aims to protect the health of students, custodial workers, and teachers through the identification of toxic substances and promotion of safer products.
INFORM’s Implementing Environmental Preferable Cleaning Practices: An eight step plan to creating a healthier school environment.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Minnesota Department of Health: Information on how to create and implement an indoor air quality management plan at the district level. These resources are valuable for all school districts regardless of location.
Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative (RAMP): Provides information and technical assistance on how to improve indoor air quality and asthma management programs.
New Building Projects and Renovations
When a district is planning to build new schools or renovate existing ones, there are opportunities to build schools that are healthier for teachers, students, staff, and the environment. As a teacher association, you can be an advocate. Here are some resources to help you district build healthy schools.
Collaborative for High Performing Schools: An initiative to improve student learning through the creation of high performing school buildings. This organization has many resources and useful information.
Project EarthRise: A consulting group that can help make schools more sustainable through solar technology, green curriculum, and much more.
USGBS’s LEED for Schools: A rating and recognition system for new buildings and renovated buildings incorporating environmental features.
General Information and Resources
These resources can provide you with additional information about environmental health and asthma.
California Asthma Partners (CAP): This group consists of representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations who are working to implement the Strategic Plan for Asthma in California.
Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN): Information and resources on protecting the environmental health of children.
Green Schools Initiative: A California based organization that provides information and resources to schools interested in green cleaning, environmental projects, and other related initiatives.
Healthy Schools Network: Provides resources and guides to help educate individuals about environmental practices, specifically focused at the school site.
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project (JP4): A list of some of the most hazardous cleaning products.
National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network: Provides educators with new information and news regarding the health and safety of students and school staff.
Promote Green Cleaning in Your District
Some districts have already made the switch to environmentally preferable cleaners, but there are still many districts using more toxic and harmful chemicals to clean the classroom. Using environmentally preferable cleaners is not only better for the environment and student, teacher, and staff health, but it can often cost less than traditional cleaners.
Cleaning for Healthy Schools: This organization provides a toolkit to help schools and childcare settings adopt healthier cleaning practices.
Environmental Choice (EcoLogo: A listing of certified environmentally preferable cleaners.
Green Purchasing Institute: An expert on purchasing and identifying environmentally preferable cleaners. Contact Alicia Culver for more information (alicia@greenpurchasing.org).
Green Schools Buying Guide: A resource to help schools and districts make decisions about the cleaning products they purchase.
Green Seal : A listing of certified environmentally preferable cleaners.
Healthy Schools Campaign Green Cleaning Guide: A free online resource providing information on how to switch to green cleaning practices.
INFORM’s Cleaning for Health: A project that aims to protect the health of students, custodial workers, and teachers through the identification of toxic substances and promotion of safer products.
INFORM’s Implementing Environmental Preferable Cleaning Practices: An eight step plan to creating a healthier school environment.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Minnesota Department of Health: Information on how to create and implement an indoor air quality management plan at the district level. These resources are valuable for all school districts regardless of location.
Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative (RAMP): Provides information and technical assistance on how to improve indoor air quality and asthma management programs.
New Building Projects and Renovations
When a district is planning to build new schools or renovate existing ones, there are opportunities to build schools that are healthier for teachers, students, staff, and the environment. As a teacher association, you can be an advocate. Here are some resources to help you district build healthy schools.
Collaborative for High Performing Schools: An initiative to improve student learning through the creation of high performing school buildings. This organization has many resources and useful information.
Project EarthRise: A consulting group that can help make schools more sustainable through solar technology, green curriculum, and much more.
USGBS’s LEED for Schools: A rating and recognition system for new buildings and renovated buildings incorporating environmental features.
General Information and Resources
These resources can provide you with additional information about environmental health and asthma.
California Asthma Partners (CAP): This group consists of representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations who are working to implement the Strategic Plan for Asthma in California.
Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN): Information and resources on protecting the environmental health of children.
Green Schools Initiative: A California based organization that provides information and resources to schools interested in green cleaning, environmental projects, and other related initiatives.
Healthy Schools Network: Provides resources and guides to help educate individuals about environmental practices, specifically focused at the school site.
Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project (JP4): A list of some of the most hazardous cleaning products.
National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network: Provides educators with new information and news regarding the health and safety of students and school staff.
The EPA Can Help
Resolving indoor air quality issues in your school or district can seem like an overwhelming task; however you do not need to do it alone. The EPA has spent years identifying the ways in which schools and districts can easily improve IAQ. As a result, they have the free, National Education Association endorsed Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools. Additionally, the EPA, Region 9 has many experts who can help answer all your questions and help you implement an IAQ improvement program in your school.
IAQ Tools for Schools
TfS is a voluntary, practical, flexible process that quickly teaches maintenance staff and school occupants how they can improve the air quality inside their buildings.
TfS provides easy to understand background information and checklists. You can learn to see your environment from the perspective of an “IAQ detective.” Many IAQ problems are identified and fixed quickly, using no-cost/low-cost methods. A lot of problems are avoided altogether. More costly and complex problems can be prioritized appropriately.
TfS provides an organizational plan to integrate its simple activities into daily routine. It opens lines of communication between maintenance staff and school occupants, as they partner in a win-win goal: providing a healthful environment that maximizes both teachers’ ability to teach, and students’ ability to learn.
You can order your own IAQ Tools for Schools kit! Just visit the EPA’s website to learn more.
The EPA, Region 9 Can Help Your District Make TfS Work
The EPA is a leading source for practical, technical information about IAQ, but where they have special expertise is in working hands-on with school districts on IAQ.
The EPA has seen how districts can and do benefit from taking full advantage of TfS. They are also aware of the concerns that often prevent districts from fully participating. To overcome such conceptual barriers, there is no need for you to reinvent the wheel. Just ask the EPA! They have already begun to work with CTA and local associations to share our insights and experience. The “next step” is to help and learn from you.
Take Advantage of Our Expertise
The EPA Region 9 team can:
For more information on what the EPA can do to help you, contact us.
Ask Shelly
Shelly is frequently asked questions about how to improve IAQ, how to identify environmental preferable products and much more. Below, please find some of his most recent and frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, just Ask Shelly.
IAQ Tools for Schools
TfS is a voluntary, practical, flexible process that quickly teaches maintenance staff and school occupants how they can improve the air quality inside their buildings.
TfS provides easy to understand background information and checklists. You can learn to see your environment from the perspective of an “IAQ detective.” Many IAQ problems are identified and fixed quickly, using no-cost/low-cost methods. A lot of problems are avoided altogether. More costly and complex problems can be prioritized appropriately.
TfS provides an organizational plan to integrate its simple activities into daily routine. It opens lines of communication between maintenance staff and school occupants, as they partner in a win-win goal: providing a healthful environment that maximizes both teachers’ ability to teach, and students’ ability to learn.
You can order your own IAQ Tools for Schools kit! Just visit the EPA’s website to learn more.
The EPA, Region 9 Can Help Your District Make TfS Work
The EPA is a leading source for practical, technical information about IAQ, but where they have special expertise is in working hands-on with school districts on IAQ.
The EPA has seen how districts can and do benefit from taking full advantage of TfS. They are also aware of the concerns that often prevent districts from fully participating. To overcome such conceptual barriers, there is no need for you to reinvent the wheel. Just ask the EPA! They have already begun to work with CTA and local associations to share our insights and experience. The “next step” is to help and learn from you.
Take Advantage of Our Expertise
The EPA Region 9 team can:
- Coach your association on constructive and effective approaches.
- Train (leaders, district teams) in person or by teleconference.
- Tailor your program to what will work for your association and the district.
- Connect you with helpful contacts and information resources.
- Recognize your efforts.
For more information on what the EPA can do to help you, contact us.
Ask Shelly
Shelly is frequently asked questions about how to improve IAQ, how to identify environmental preferable products and much more. Below, please find some of his most recent and frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, just Ask Shelly.
Health-e-App
Health-e-App is the official State of California secured online application for health care for California residents. You can use Health-e-App to apply for health coverage through Medi-Cal for Families or the Healthy Families Program (HFP).
Links:
Health-e-App
Health-e-App en Español
Links:
Health-e-App
Health-e-App en Español