Appendix E: Air: Indoor Air Quality

Good indoor air quality is crucial for children's health because they spend a significant amount of time indoors, and exposure to pollutants and allergens can lead to respiratory impacts and illness.

Discussion Prompts for Children's Programs

• Have you noticed any concerns from parents, staff, or children regarding air quality inside the facility, such as unusual smells, difficulty breathing, or discomfort after the disaster?

• Has the program taken any steps to assess or improve indoor air quality since the disaster, such as inspecting for mold, repairing ventilation systems, or addressing water damage?

• Are there specific areas within the facility – such as meeting rooms, hallways, or bathrooms – that seem to be more affected by poor air quality or moisture issues?

• Have parents or staff raised concerns about symptoms related to poor indoor air quality, such as headaches, coughing, or respiratory issues in children or adults?

• What steps have been taken, if any, to ensure proper ventilation and appropriate temperature and humidity levels in indoor spaces, especially if windows were damaged or the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system was affected by the disaster?

• Are there any groups within the program, such as children with asthma or other respiratory conditions, that may be more at risk from poor indoor air quality?

Ideas for Mitigation & Intervention

• Mobile Air Quality Demonstration Program: Use mobile health or library vans to demonstrate DIY air purifier construction and offer basic supplies (e.g., filters) during community visits and school events.

• School HVAC Awareness Drive: Collaborate with facilities staff and student councils to monitor and promote proper maintenance and use of existing HVAC systems, ensuring filters are changed and vents are unobstructed.

• Cultural Caregiver Workshops: Host workshops co-led by traditional healers and health educators on safe indoor air practices, integrating cultural knowledge (e.g., safe use of indoor burning for ceremony, alternatives for heat or pest control).

Cultivating Allies 
 

• Coordinate with state, tribal, territorial, and local public health agencies to identify which agencies or departments have responsibilities, roles, or authority related to indoor air quality.

• Research local and regional networks that offer education, advocacy, or direct services related to indoor air quality, such as nonprofits, coalitions, or service providers.

• Identify subject matter experts from federal agencies, academic institutions, or the private sector who can support assessment, interpretation, or planning activities.