HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN,

DRY AND PRODUCTIVE

By Michael A. Berry, Ph.D.

A Fresh Look at School Environments

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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

and delay construction of new facilities to divert money during

he focus on school environments has evolved from an
periods of financial austerity. Making cuts in roof repair, maininitial discussion on indoor air to a comprehensive view
tenance, and cleaning is mistakenly considered less devastating
recognizing that total environmental quality is related
than slashing academic programs. The consequences of choosto teaching and learning performance. Environmental maning to defer school maintenance include premature building
agement of school facilities has not traditionally received prideterioration, poor indoor air, increased repair and replacement
ority attention. If our national educational objectives are to be
costs, and reduced operating efficiency of equipment.
achieved, school officials must recognize the value of cleaning
The price tag for deferring school maintenance has two
and maintenance programs to positive educational performance.
very big and unacceptable costs. First, the health effect and
A schools interior climate, appearance, and cleanliness send
poor educational performance cost. Second, the cost of acceleither a positive or negative message to students, teachers, and
erated damages and premature replacement of the school facilstaff. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental condiity itself.
tions that create a sense of well-being and send a caring
message contribute directly to positive attitudes and elevated
THE ECOLOGY OF A WET SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
performance as measured by fewer health complaints, improved
student attendance, teacher retention, and higher test scores.
Public health literature indicates that moisture control, as
Schools are special environments that exist for the purpose
it affects indoor environmental quality and the human condiof teaching and learning. Schools are envition, will receive increased attention and scruronments that house sensitive segments of the
tiny in the next few years as it relates to growA schools interior
population. Schools are high-activity environing concern over asthma. The professional resments that need constant attention in the
toration industry has long recognized the imclimate,
appearance,
form of cleaning, maintenance, and repair.
portance of rapid drying. We should reinforce
When essential environmental management
and encourage this practice, particularly in
and cleanliness send
and hygiene does not occur in the highly acsensitive environments such as schools, beeither a positive or
tive school environment, we find deteriorated
cause it is critical to the successful manageair quality accompanied by health complaints.
ment of indoor environments, biopollutants,
negative message to
In the United States there are about
and, ultimately, the protection of health.
120,000 schools (approximately 85,000 pubBiopollutants are defined as living organstudents, teachers,
lic schools) providing for the educational
isms or substances derived from them. Like
and staff.
needs of approximately 54 million students.
outdoor environments, indoor environments
On average, students receive 20% of their
harbor a variety of biopollutants primarily
environmental exposure in schools. It is estibacteria and fungi. They are normal compomated that more than 50% of the school facilities throughout
nents of dust, soil, and vegetation, as well as residue of humans
the United States have environmental problems caused by waand animals. Their survival and growth is dependent primarily
ter intrusion, inoperable HVAC systems, and ineffective or nonupon available moisture and an organic food supply.
existent cleaning programs. These conditions adversely affect
Biopollutants may be airborne particles, large molecules, or
indoor environmental quality. These problems are preventable
gaseous compounds excreted from living organisms. Some
and need not exist.
biopollutants produce negative health effects such as asthma,
Deteriorated conditions in schools need not exist and are
cancer, pneumonia, fever, rhinitis, membrane irritation, and
preventable. Environmental quality and risk are managed to
headache. Water or moist organic material, without exception,
an acceptable level indoors by source and activity management,
is the root cause of biopollutant proliferation indoors.
ventilation, cleaning, maintenance, and restoration. EnvironBiopollutants are the target of public health protection
mental quality of a school is a matter of willingness to pay for
concern and action because they harm people the most. Under
the management necessary to keep the school environment
most conditions, the quality of an indoor environment can be
healthy.
brought to a high level and a healthy state. However, an enviThere is growing evidence that when a school building is
ronment extensively taken over by biopollutants sometimes
in disrepair, teaching and student achievement suffers; the school
must be abandoned. Persistent and excessive amounts of waenvironment works against the educational process.
ter/moisture are almost always the primary cause of such conPublic school systems too often elect to postpone repairs
tamination.

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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

In addition to visible microbial growth and detection of

Three conditions are necessary for biopollutants cause probmoisture in porous materials, an obvious indicator of
lems indoors. First, there must be a reservoir. Most biopollutants
biopollutant contamination is a musty, moldy, or mildewy
are found in reservoirs, particularly in bodies of standing water
odor. Bacteria and fungi produce a variety of volatile organic
or decomposing matter. Second, there must be amplification.
compounds (VOCs). Most of the microbial VOCs detectable
Biopollutants must grow or increase in concentration before
by the olfactory senses are excreted by the fungi and actinothey can harm people. Third, dissemination in high enough
mycete bacteria, and are complex mixtures of alcohols, esters,
numbers must occur for the biopollutant to be harmful. The
aldehydes, and various hydrocarbons and aromatics.
biopollutant must have a way and a means to leave its reservoir
We have little control over biopollutants outdoors, but inand get at the human receptor.
doors we can control their reservoirs and amplification by reAll living things pass through four stages of survival: lag,
moving food supplies, cleaning, and controlling moisture. Rouexponential, stability, and death. This is an important, timetine cleaning and preventive maintenance are the most effecdependent, life model, especially for water or moisture mantive means of controlling biopollutants in buildings. To keep
agement. Timely moisture management is critical in preventbiopollutants under control, we must keep the environment
ing microorganisms from entering the exponential or stability
clean. It is essential to remove dirt and water to prevent the
phase of their life cycle.
conditions that promote microbial growth.
Moisture determines the extent of biopollutants found inA basic strategy for managing indoor
doors. When materials are saturated with
biopollutants includes:
water and relative humidity reaches 70% or
We have little control
higher, sufficient moisture is available to sup1. Control the temperature and moisture.
port microbial growth. When humidity is
2. Take away food supplies.
over biopollutants
uncontrolled, or if water is not properly man3. Keep any organism or other non-viable
aged by extraction, outflow, or drying, a resoutdoors, but indoors
pollutant away from humans. Kill it, reervoir is established and the overgrowth of
move it, or contain it.
we can control their
fungal and/or bacterial species occurs. This
can lead to damaging effects on materials and
reservoirs and
Step 1 attempts to create conditions unhuman health. When moisture persists in the
der
which the organism cannot live. A
indoor environment, the microbial ecology
amplification.
buildings
environment is largely controlled
is altered, predominate organisms amplifyby how we design and operate it. We also
ing, and eventually disseminate throughout
control it when we properly clean and restore
the building. During amplification, rapid
it. If we use and leave behind too much wavegetative growth of bacteria and fungi octer or do not control moisture when we clean,
curs, usually by spore-forming organisms. As growth proceeds,
conditions are created that allow reservoirs of biopollutants to
spores are routinely formed and billions at a time can be disgrow.
persed into the air through normal occupant activities, airflow,
Steps 2 and 3 are included in cleaning and restoring an
and HVAC operation.
environment.
Following environmental principles of cleaning
Microorganisms grow in water film on a variety of surfaces
extracts the most pollutants possible from the environment.
and within porous materials. It is a well established that water,
Many pollutants, especially organic substances, feed on
if allowed to persist beyond 24 hours, alters the ecology of an
biopollutants. When deprived of food and given an unsuitable
indoor environment. Once growth begins, amplification of
environment, such as a dry one, the living pollutant or its source
fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus can occur with as
will die or be unable to flourish.
little as 2% moisture content in porous materials. Wet indoor
If food supplies of living organisms in an environment could
environments, particularly those with cellulose-based materibe
fully
controlled, biopollutants would disappear after a while
als such as drywall and ceiling tiles, support the growth of speand
cease
to be a problem. But, their environments and food
cies like Stachybotrys. Stagnant water in HVAC can harbor
sources can never be controlled completely. Therefore, we must
gram-negative bacteria such as Flavobacterium and Legionellia.
go after them directly. They must be killed, removed, reduced
Fungi, such as Cladosporium and Aspergillus, as well as bacteor contained so they do not spread throughout the environria, such as Actinomycetes, can be found in persistently damp,
ment.
dirty, textiles.
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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

Air flow and ventilation are critical to the indoor management process. Like water, air is a fluid. As air flows, it carries
suspended materials with it, including water. Air flow is necessary to achieve drying. Drying occurs only when suspended
moist air is displaced by dry air on, above, and through an
environment that has been cleaned with a liquid solvent. Many
problems occur in the process of cleaning when environments
do not dry. Wet environments can become breeding grounds
for living organisms.

and other biopollutants. Constant attention to environmental

conditions can prevent mold colonies from decomposing organic materials and growing. Mold does not usually degrade
matter by itself but often degrades matter in collaboration with
bacteria and insects that are fully compatible with environments
in which molds live and die.
These other organisms are also biopollutants that affect air
quality and should also be of concern in the discussion of healthy
school environments. Biopollutants in general, particularly mold
growth and mold spore levels in schools, can be controlled by
keeping interiors and materials in them clean and dry.

WHEN SCHOOLS HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

The main causes of environmentally related illness in
HIGH PERFORMANCE SCHOOLS SEND POSITIVE MESSAGES
schools are water, food sources for the various biopollutants,
non-existent or ineffective cleaning, and poor ventilation. AsEducation decision makers, in many cases, must readjust
sessment of environmental risk in school environments must
their thinking about the full value and contribution of the school
not be done in a short-sighted manner. Extensive time is often
environment to the learning process. More effort is required to
spent looking at air quality alone, especially
provide healthy school facilities by properly
in recent times with regard to mold. This
identifying and correcting the causes of enviBacteria from direct
narrow focus is necessary, but by no means
ronmental degradation before they get out of
suffi cient to protect the health of our chilcontrol; not simply to draw attention to the
contact
with
other
dren and their teachers and the quality of our
deteriorated IAQ and adverse health effects
school environments.
that are only symptoms of the real problem.
humans and surfaces
Total exposure, not just the air route of
The importance of a healthy school encause over 80% of
exposure, must be examined. Bacteria from
vironment in enhancing the learning process
direct contact with other humans and suris described in many studies. There is a dienvironmentally
faces cause over 80% of environmentally rerect connection between environmental quallated illnesses. The main routes of exposure
ity, comfort, health and well-being, positive
related illnesses.
are dermal and ingestion, not via air. The
attitudes and behavior, and higher levels of
most serious threat air exposure poses is deeducational performance. The quality of the
livering bacteria and viruses to sensitive reschool environment shapes attitudes of stuceptors. Sufficiently concentrated airborne
dents, teachers and staff. Attitudes affect
mold spore and other airborne allergens, such as cockroach
teaching and learning behavior. Behavior affects performance.
antigen, frequently trigger allergic reactions in sensitized indiEducational performance determines future outcomes of individuals, particularly asthmatics.
viduals and society as a whole.
Indoor air quality is a powerful management measure for a
Recent studies of high performance schools find that an
school environment. Excessive levels of dominant species of
academically successful school radiates a sense of well-being.
mold spores indoors are a good indication of environmental
This sense of well-being is the essence of a healthy environsystem malfunction or mismanagement. Abnormally high levment. For school environments to be healthy there must be a
els of mold spores, beyond those levels we find in surrounding
serious, if not passionate desire accompanied by positive acoutdoor air, are almost always associated with water damage,
tion, to keep the environment sanitary or to restore non-perwater intrusion, failed HVAC systems, or non-existent or inefforming schools to a constant healthy state.
fective cleaning programs. Water, when combined with an orHigh performance schools manifest common traits.
ganic nutrient for extended time periods at elevated tempera Adequate space and opportunities for students and teachers
tures, will result in mold growth and excessive spore levels.
to spread out, reflect, interact, exchange information, and
There is nothing profound in understanding what it takes
examine and test ideas.
to keep the most threatening indoor air pollutants
An inviting appearance.
(biopollutants) at a sanitary level in a school. With an under Adequate natural lighting that enhances productivity.
standing of basic life science, we can successfully manage molds

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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

Pest infestation was serious with cockroach remains and

fecal material evident in all parts of the building. Birds had
nested in the upper regions of the building interior and their
droppings had seriously contaminated the air intakes of the
HVAC system.
Floor surfaces throughout the building looked uninviting,
and worked against the educational benefits derived from open
classrooms. Carpet surfaces could not be restored; they were
extensively water damaged, worn, and separated. In many areas deteriorated carpet posed tripping hazards.
Hazardous materials and conditions also existed in the
CASE STUDIES POINT THE WAY
school. Peeling lead-based paint was found on window frames,
Previous studies have shown that cleaning, maintenance and
doors, and stairwell banisters. Discarded unlabeled chemicals
restoration, when consistently implemented, are cost-effective
were leaking onto the floor in the schools mechanical room.
and can lead to measurable environmental improvements in
Prior to 1997, Charles Young was a school where nearly
school environments. An EPA-sponsored study, The Total Buildhalf the students were below national test averages for math
ing Cleaning Effectiveness Study, conducted
and reading. In the minds of DC officials,
in collaboration with the professional cleanthere was an obvious link between the stuAn organized cleaning
ing industry, demonstrated that an organized
dents environment and their educational percleaning program contributes to reductions in
formance. The facility was rapidly deterioprogram contributes to
particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
rating. Additionally, students were exposed
and biological pollutants in the range of 50to a surrounding neighborhood with a high
reductions in particles,
90%, even in an extraordinarily complex and
level of social instability, unemployment, risvolatile organic
sensitive school environment.
ing drug use and crime rates, and violence.
In the recent case of the Charles Young
Most of the Charles Young Elementary
compounds (VOCs)
School, Washington, D.C., the improveSchool restoration was accomplished between
ments in educational performance that have
June and September 1997. Two hundred and
and biological
accompanied restoration have been exemthirty-two windows were replaced to create
plary. The Charles Young Elementary School
pollutants.
brighter rooms and keep moisture and peelcase is so important because, up to this point,
ing lead paint out of the school. All lead-based
evidence indicating that when a school buildpaint was contained and removed. Roofing
ing is in disrepair, student achievement suffers, is scanty. There
and brickwork was repaired to prevent water intrusion. Moldy,
are few cases that demonstrate that schools, restored in a
water-damaged materials were removed. Leaking ductwork,
thoughtful manner, greatly improve educational achievement
steam, and water pipes were replaced. Abandoned 55- gallon
in the way we measure it today.
drums of chemicals in basement rooms were removed as
In 1997 the environmental conditions at Charles Young
hazardous waste. The basement area was decontaminated to
School were, by any environmental health standard, fully uneliminate residual chemical hazards. Pest management measures
acceptable. Water damage was evident throughout the buildwere instituted. Bird nests and dropping were removed;
ing. Water was entering the building constantly through nupest barriers were installed, and food and water sources were
merous roof leaks, rotting windows, and broken steam pipes.
removed.
On several occasions, students mistook escaping steam as an
The carpet industry donated the replacement of over
indication that the building was on fire. Mismanaged moisture
45,000 square feet of carpet. Selected carpet floor coverings
caused visible mold growth on plaster walls, ceiling tiles, wincame from a variety of manufacturers and were matched to
dow frames, carpet and hard floors, and in ventilation ducts.
comfort, lighting, color and texture and sound control needs
The HVAC system in the school was in disrepair. Most
of rooms throughout the school. Most important to the restoexhaust fans were broken, and the heating air-conditioning sysration effort, the carpet industry insisted on effective maintetem did not work. Temperature fluctuated from 60 to 100 denance. The carpet industry provided training, maintenance
grees F, and humidity levels often exceeded 90%.
schedules, and effective vacuums, as well as carpet cleaning
Student-friendly conditions throughout the building.
An environment that is inviting to good teachers and supports their retention.
Designed to reduce stress, comfortable, has a consistent temperature, and manages noise.
Very small risk of adverse health effects.
These conditions are always accompanied by good indoor
air quality. But, most importantly, these traits are functional in
a school only when that school is clean, dry, and sanitary.

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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

Since the restoration, the school radiates a sense of wellequipment and supplies to sustain a healthy condition and inbeing. It is widely reported by teachers and staff that many
viting appearance of their product.
students are reluctant to leave in the afternoons because they
The schools HVAC system required a major overhaul. The
like the school environment that many call a safe haven. Teachcentral fan system was made operational, and fan motors were
ers and staff throughout the school district want to there. Many
replaced as necessary. The chiller was replaced; new boilers were
of the best teachers at the school have elected to delay their
installed for heating; and exhaust systems were upgraded. Over
retirement. The restored school is the pride of the community.
100 ventilators were overhauled through electrical repairs, part
Parents often visit the school, and some even take classes in
replacement, and cleaning.
reading. Attendance, prior to the restoration, has risen from
The school and its educational strategy depend on an en89% to 93%. Many parents in the community had previously
vironment that is attractive, comfortable, open, and free of glare
moved their children to private and special schools; however,
and noise. The inviting open classroom design of Charles Young
since the restoration, many of these students have returned.
Schools has been demonstrated to provide a well lighted, comStudents from other schools throughout the district are seekfortable environment, highly effective in developing the eduing admission to Charles Young Elementary. The District of
cational performance of students. The use of carpet in the
Columbia is using Charles Young Elementary as the model for
Charles Young School makes satisfactory sound control simple
restoring 9 other schools in DC.
and economical to achieve. Effective sound control in open
An analysis of test results shows that the
space classrooms is virtually impossible to
school is much more than an indoor enviachieve without carpet (School Facilities and
The school and its
ronment showpiece. Since the restoration in
Transportation Division, State of California,
1997, there have been many remarkable and
1986).
educational
strategy
documented improvements in the common
Table 1 illustrates data collected in the
measures of academic performance.
most health-sensitive areas of the building:
depend on an environCharles Young Elementary School has
the fully- carpeted pre-kindergarten area, and
ment that is attractive, been successfully restored to a healthy envilunch room, which has a hard floor surface.
ronment. The school building that had acute
The data suggest that the indoor environment
comfortable, open, and indoor environmental problems has been
of Charles Young School is properly maintransformed into a model school environment.
tained and exhibits no sign or traits of an unfree of glare and noise.
The essentiality of continuous cleaning, mainsanitary environment or of an indoor air qualtenance and repair for the prevention of fuity (IAQ) problem building. Maintenance of
ture indoor environmental quality problems
the school emphasized daily vacuuming of
has been demonstrated. The most important
high traffi c areas, disinfection of hard floors,
result in this restoration example is the documented and meascheduled extraction cleaning of all parts of the building insured fact that educational performance and achievement has
cluding carpet.
risen dramatically at the school. It is the strong suggestion and
A high level of housekeeping and maintenance are essendemonstration that there is a direct connection between healthy
tial in making the classrooms work. In August 2001, prior to
school environments; behaviors and attitudes of students, parthe school year cleaning of the facility, a cleaning effectiveness
ents, and educators; and academic performance and achievement.
analysis was conducted throughout the building with a focus
on the sanitation condition of flooring. A pre-sampling invesEVERY SCHOOL CAN BE HEALTHY
tigation found there were no health complaints related to the
building in any way. There were no indications of IAQ probHealthy school environments are planned to send caring
lems or occupant health responses to allergens. An environmessages. When there is a healthy school, there is a managemental cleaning effectiveness sampling technique was applied
ment system that creates the healthy condition. The system is a
throughout the building to a variety of flooring materials prior
continual cyclic management process that begins with the forto their cleaning. Levels of measured bacteria and fungi exhibmulation of an environmental policy followed by planning,
ited no sign of an unsanitary or problem building, even at a
policy implementation, inspection and corrective action, mantime of year when the buildings cleaning state was stressed by
agement review, and adjustment of the policy if necessary.
a year of continuous use and summer relative humidity levels
The following are recommended as the focus of an enviin excess of 90% on some days on some days.
ronmental management program for virtually any school:

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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

to the organisms. Biopollutants (primarily bacteria and fungi)

depend upon the availability of moisture and an organic food
supply in order to survive and grow. Relative humidity of 70%
or higher creates a moisture level best suited for microbial
growth. Air conditioners must be kept on to control moisture
during humid summer months, and dehumidifiers should be
used during periods of high humidity or if the school facility is
unresponsive to the ventilation system.
Fifth, if significant amounts of mold exist in a school, the
water source must be corrected, and the growing mold and
spores removed properly. Any material containing wet paper is
a likely site for mold. Damp wallboard and sheet rock provide
excellent hosts for mold and bacteria. Even worse are ceiling
There are steps a school can take to achieve a healthy contiles and the wooden wall studs, which, if they become wet,
dition.
will breed fungi. If mold is not managed properly, spores beFirst, there must be an awareness of how the school building
come airborne and spread throughout the building. Every school
functions. The lack of awareness often creates poor environmenshould establish a training program for the
tal conditions inside the school building. A
identification and safe removal of mold in
communication program should inform stuExposure to particles,
the building.
dents, faculty and staff about technical issues
Finally, cleaning is the most effective
behind the school environment. For example,
biopollutants
and
means of achieving a sustainable high level
the building is a shelter designed to keep the
of environmental quality in a school. The
outside environment (water and dirt) out. EvVOC can be greatly
primary objective of cleaning is to keep out
eryone must help to keep the indoor environreduced with effective
or remove pollutants from the building enment clean and practice good personal hygiene.
velope in order to reduce exposure.
There must be an understanding of the nacleaning equipment
ture and role of HVAC systems especially as
A cleaning effectiveness program inthey controls moisture levels.
and an organized
cludes:
Second, moisture in a school building is
cleaning program.
Training programs for custodians and
the main cause of structural damage and
teachers.
health risks. In order to effectively keep water from leaking into the building, the roof
Adequately sized doormats as particle barmust be structurally sound and in good repair. All leaks must
riers.
be repaired in a timely manner. In order to mitigate future costs
High efficacy extraction cleaning equipment (vacuum cleanand leaks, a simple low-gradient structure above the all-tooers).
common fl at school roof can be installed to channel water off
Hot water extraction of carpet.
the roof.
Damp mopping of hard surfaces.
Third, drainage systems must work. No standing water
should be allowed on or around a school. Drainage systems
Reduced VOC emissions of products.
must divert water from the building. Assess and improve curEvery school should establish a training program for the
rent drainage systems. Schools should install a drain system for
custodial staff to learn effective and efficient cleaning meththe building as well as guttering where necessary.
ods. Instruction in the proper use of cleaning materials and
Fourth, HVAC aids in the regulation of moisture mitigatechniques, achieves a much healthier environment with far
tion and the circulation of fresh air. Assess HVAC system perless wasted labor.
formance, repair, and maintain HVAC systems regularly. A
The best available cleaning technology and supplies should
ventilation system is necessary to maintain a dry environment.
be provided to school custodians. Exposure to particles,
A primary purpose of airflow is to control moisture and prebiopollutants and VOC can be greatly reduced with effective
vent the growth of biopollutants, especially important in a room
cleaning equipment and an organized cleaning program that
like the library where books provide a continuous food supply
Environmental coordinator and reporting system.
Awareness training on the operation of a school building.
Moisture management that emphasizes roof maintenance and
drainage improvement.
Water damage response plan.
Mold management and removal program.
Mechanical ventilation systems assessment and repair.
Cleaning and restoration effectiveness emphasizing effective
cleaning equipment, well-designed cleaning program, and
scheduling.

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HEALTHY SCHOOLS ARE CLEAN, DRY, AND PRODUCTIVE

A Fresh Look at School Environments

becomes irrelevant to the removal of particles. Instead of being

emphasizes the correct use of equipment and the importance
extracted from the environment, particles become airborne right
of extraction.
back into the sensitive environment from which they came.
A simple doormat is enormously effective in keeping dirt
and debris out of a school building.
CONCLUSION
It is important to remember not to focus just on the floor
as a primary site hosting particles, allergens and infectious miThere is clear evidence that a scientifically-based cleaning
croorganisms. The bulk of potentially harmful agents are situprocess provides an immediate improvement in the indoor enated higher than that. Hard surfaces on tables, chairs, counters,
vironmental quality of schools. Through an organized enviwalls, doors, sinks in rest rooms, and eating areas carry a parronmental management program that emphasizes effective
ticularly heavy bio-burden.
cleaning and maintenance, exposure to a range of microorganThe majority of school environments have carpet and
isms, particles, and other harmful substances are reduced or
proper equipment must be available to clean it. Schools with
kept at a sanitary level.
dirty carpet either do not know how to clean or choose not to.
Based on research, there is every reason to anticipate a reClean carpet poses no health risk in schools. Some individuals
duction or prevention of adverse health effects.
have pointed to carpet as a primary cause of deteriorated IAQ.
The enhanced management and cleanliness of school enIn fact, some say to tear out the carpet if you really want to
vironments sends a we care message to students, teachers,
clean things up and improve IAQ. Unfortuand staff. The evidence suggests that envinately, this occurs mostly in public schools
ronmental conditions shape attitudes and
There is no inherent
with limited accountability for decision makeventually teaching and learning perforing outcomes. It dodges the issue and responmance.
reason
why
any
sibility of cleaning, transfers pollutants to
School environments influence the eduhard surfaces and indoor air, and is unnecescational process far beyond that which we
surface, including
sarily costly to the taxpayer. Most imporhave previously recognized. Schools have flexcarpet and fabrics, in
tantly, this incorrect cause-and-effect decision
ible management options for creating healthy
does not address the real need to keep the
productive environments. The key to a
a school cannot be
environment clean and dry, regardless of
healthy school is to know the importance of
flooring type. It is a disservice to students,
clean and dry and the necessary tools, techkept clean.
teachers, and staff who deserve and need an
niques, and management systems to achieve
elevated level of comfort in their school enthose conditions. Following the clean and
vironment. Carpet offers a soft surface on
dry principle will provide for healthy IAQ,
which to stand long hours, warm and enerbut, more importantly, provide environments
gizing colors, glare reduction, and excellent noise control.
where teachers and students can perform at their best.
There is no inherent reason why any surface, including
carpet and fabrics, in a school cannot be kept clean. There must
be a scheduled program for cleaning with two key elements: a
Dr. Michael A. Berry is a Research Professor at the
high flow water extraction system and high-quality vacuum
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he
cleaner, both of which minimize air contamination during and
teaches and writes on business and environment, built
after cleaning.
environments, and environmental management systems.
Effective vacuuming alone removes 90 to 95% of all dry
His is currently focusing his research in the area of school
particles with a routine cleaning schedule. Periodic hot water
and health care environments. Dr. Berry retired from the
extraction of carpet removes remaining particles and
US Environmental Protection Agency in 1998 where as a
biopollutant food sources.
senior manager and scientist he served as the Deputy
Air filtration is an important consideration when choosDirector of National Center for Environmental Assessing a vacuum for a school environment. An effective vacuum
ment at Research Triangle Park, NC. Between 1985 and
cleaner promotes good indoor air quality. If not constructed
1994, he served as EPAs manager for indoor air research.
properly, vacuum cleaners can be aerosol generators, spreading
Contact him at DrMABerry@aol.com.
dust and dirt throughout the air. If dust and other particulates
are allowed to pass directly through the vacuum, high airflow

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