INDOOR AIR QUALITY

WHEREAS, the quality and supply of indoor air is a major factor supporting healthy and productive learning environments; and

WHEREAS, many public schools and colleges, especially in urban centers, have self-contained heating and ventilation systems that do not provide an adequate supply of fresh air to classrooms and work areas; and

WHEREAS, the construction authority of many public schools and colleges through subcontracting for such systems too frequently does not install the optimum equipment; and

WHEREAS, the administrations of many public schools and colleges are not provided sufficient funding for trained staff to maintain indoor air systems; and

WHEREAS, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has published standards for circulation of indoor air:

RESOLVED, that the AFT press for legislation to ensure that all new construction meet the ASHRAE standards of 20 cubic feet per minute per person of fresh air in all classrooms, laboratories and work areas; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT work to ensure that governmental agencies appropriate adequate funds to provide for the installation and maintenance of heating and ventilation systems in all new construction of public schools and colleges; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT press for legislation to ensure that all existing public school and college buildings that do not meet the standard be retrofitted to meet the standard within three years.