Before they turn 18, America’s children will have spent about 15,000 hours inside school buildings. Given the tremendously important time spent learning and growing in schools, shouldn’t the buildings enhance students’ health and not compromise it?
An extensive body of research has shown that improving air quality indoors can increase academic performance, raise test scores and reduce airborne transmission of respiratory infections. If classrooms, libraries, assembly halls, gyms and cafeterias were filled with cleaner, fresher air, we’d be well on our way to a generation of healthier, more productive students. But we aren’t on our way because nearly half of the heating and cooling systems in our schools need to be upgraded or replaced, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.