Indoor air pollution levels can be up to five times higher than pollution levels outside. This is especially concerning considering that most people spend 90% of their time in indoor spaces. If indoor air quality (IAQ) is not addressed, it can lead to serious health issues, especially in schools.
According to the American Lung Association, good IAQ in classrooms boosts student performance in math and reading comprehension. It reduces symptoms of lung diseases such as asthma, which can cause increased absences from school. Following indoor air quality standards also reduces radon exposure, a major cause of lung cancer.
Improving ventilation and air filtration systems has positive impacts on IAQ. Applying a ceramic insulation barrier like ThermaCote® seals and insulates classrooms from outside pollutants.
IAQ and ThermaCote®
Most air pollutants are microscopic particles and gasses that include chemicals, allergens, mold, and exhaust fumes. Problems with air quality cause respiratory issues in children and staff with asthma, allergies, and suppressed immune systems.
Pollutant levels can be five times higher inside schools than outside due to insufficient air circulation, uncontrolled temperatures, and improper humidity levels. This is why it’s so important to assess, monitor, and protect the indoor air quality standards for schools.
Indoor air quality management in schools means:
- Preventing airborne contaminants from entering the buildings
- Controlling circulation, filtration, and flow of outdoor air
- Maintaining a balanced indoor temperature and humidity level
IAQ in Schools
Healthy indoor air quality in schools promotes learning and reduces the cumulative effects of air pollution. Several sources of indoor pollution include:
- Indoor and outdoor pollutants like mold, chemicals, fumes, pesticides, and emissions
- Inadequate air filtration
- Poor air circulation
- Improper pressurization and ventilation
- Inconsistent temperature
- Low or high humidity level
Air quality monitors help detect many of these air quality problems in schools. An effective air quality monitoring device should measure temperature, humidity, airflow volume, air movement, and carbon dioxide levels.
ThermaCote®’s Impact on IAQ
ThermaCote® provides a high-performance ceramic barrier coating for indoor and outdoor use. It seals structures and protects them from corrosion and heat. This easy-to-apply spray coating enhances new or existing insulation in HVAC ductwork, walls, and roofing. It is compatible with all types of substrates, such as slate, metal, brick, cement, concrete, wood, and sheetrock.
ThermaCote® is a sustainable, environmentally friendly coating with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in its water-based acrylic formula. View the ThermaCote® Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
ThermaCote® and IAQ
ThermaCote® is a qualified spray-applied ceramic weather barrier coating. It’s Certified Green by California’s standard (DHS 01350) for indoor air quality use in classrooms and offices. It is also a Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) rated product.
With ultra-low 5.3 G/L VOCs, ThermaCote® promotes healthy indoor air in classrooms and office buildings. It’s composed of 80% solids, which prevents shrinkage, evaporation, expansion, and contraction for more consistency when going from wet to dry.
Roof Repair Tape
ThermaCote® roof repair tape is a heavy, permanent sealing tape that repairs any leaks and seams around antennas, curbs, chimneys, vents, HVAC systems, and other roof-installed components. This reinforcing tape is VOC-free and prevents airflow from outdoors to indoors, limiting pollutants in the classroom.
IAQ Management Overview and Benefits
Proper IAQ management protects occupants from these common sources of indoor air contaminants:
- VOCs: formaldehyde, toluene (found in furniture, cleaning products, pesticides, tobacco smoke)
- Microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi, mold (spread via improperly maintained HVAC systems or wet building materials)
- Combustion products: carbon monoxide, particulates
- Older buildings: asbestos; lead in paint, solders, soil, and water
- Insects and animals: waste products, bacteria, infestations
- Ozone and odors
- Radon produced from uranium decay in soil
Long- and short-term health consequences for students and faculty due to poor IAQ include:
- Allergic reactions
- Coughing
- Eye irritation
- Headache
- In rare instances, Legionnaire’s disease and carbon monoxide poisoning
ThermaCote® Meets Indoor Air Quality Standards for Schools
As a high-performance weather barrier, ThermaCote® is certified as an approved material to prevent outdoor pollutants from seeping into your school or office building. It’s an important line of defense against respiratory and other health issues caused by poor indoor air quality. Students, teachers, and staff can enjoy better quality air in an environment more conducive to learning and working. ThermaCote has the CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) approval for use in schools.