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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.

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