Poor indoor air quality plagues many child care centers
You know that feeling of being trapped in a crowded bus, breathing in
hot, stuffy air and yearning for relief? Now imagine the poor air quality
in a classroom of some 15-20 preschool children day after day in a child
care center where the windows don't open for fresh air. The situation
is even more grave in infant and toddler rooms where poor ventilation
is provided for the storage of dirty diapers. Unfortunately, many childcare
centers across the nation are plagued by poor indoor air quality resulting
from inadequate ventilation and pollutants. Not only does this create
an unbearable learning environment, it can also affect children's
health. Because of their size, rapid development and metabolic rates,
children are especially vulnerable to respiratory hazards that may cause
illness, which makes it crucial to monitor and protect indoor air quality
in child care centers. Asthma is the most chronic disease of childhood,
affecting nearly 5 million children under age 5. Since 1980, there has
been a 160% increase in the number of children under the age of 4 diagnosed
with asthma (Poirot, 1999).
Air pollutants found in child care centers include: environmental tobacco
smoke, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, allergens, pathogens, radon, pesticides, lead and dust.
- Environmental tobacco smoke is the combination of two forms of smoke
from burning tobacco products: side-stream smoke (smoke that is emitted
between the puffs of burning cigarettes -- think of people who smoke
just outside the child care center) -- and mainstream smoke (smoke that
is exhaled by the smoker). Although many child care centers prohibit
smoking in the center, teachers are not required to wash their hands
prior to working with the children, and as such, can transmit nicotine
residue from their hands to young children. It is even more dangerous
when childcare teachers who smoke don't wash their hands before
working with infants.
- Formaldehyde is released by sources such as particleboard, plywood,
textiles, adhesives, foam insulation, pressed wood furniture, cabinets
and shelving. It is important to choose furniture that is not finished
with this chemical and to air out any new building before children are
allowed to enter. Our April/May eNewsletter discussed in length formaldehyde issues involving
children's furniture.
- Volatile organic compounds are released by sources such as commonly
used cleaners, personal care products, adhesives, paints, pesticide
solvents, wood preservatives, furnishings and copying machines. Our
September 2004 eNewsletter covered environmentally and kid-safe wall
paint. Our December 2003 eNewsletter covered the use of chemicals in child care
centers and Head Start programs and offered recommendations for more
natural cleaning products.
- Carbon monoxide is released during incomplete combustion from improperly
or unvented gas furnaces, auto and bus exhaust, hot water heaters and
gas dryers. It is an odorless and colorless gas that can build up in
any center. Carbon monoxide can quickly become a problem when the vents
are clogged or when there is not enough fresh air circulating in the
center. A carbon monoxide detector is a very inexpensive way to assure
that your center is safe. Depending on the size and layout of the center,
more than one detector may be required.
- Allergens and pathogens are released by humans, animals and the environment.
Humidifiers and ductwork can incubate bacteria and mold.
- Radon is a radioactive element produced by the atomic decay of natural
radium in soil and rocks. It can be found in well water and some building
materials. When the gas forms under a building, it percolates up through
the soil and can become concentrated under the foundation. The gas can
enter centers through cracks in the floor or foundation walls and through
openings such as those around sump pumps. Once inside, the gas is breathed
in and can later contribute to lung cancer. You can find radon testing
kits at hardware and home improvement stores. Radon is measured in picocuries
per liter, and according to the EPA, the average reading in the U.S.
is about 1.3. If your reading comes back above 4, you should consider
a second home test or having a radon mitigation contractor do a professional
test. If you have high levels of radon, a radon mitigation system for
about $1,200 can be installed by an expert contractor.
Discuss your circulation and ventilation needs with both your architect
and mechanical engineer for your project. The American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers recommends Standard 62-1999
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, which lists acceptable
air exchange levels for different types of activities.
Next month's issue of Child Care Information Exchange magazine
will publish an article written by Vicki Stoecklin that will provide additional
information on creating environments that sustain children, staff and
our planet.