TFS SUCCESS STORIES!

According to a study by the CT Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE), up to 70% of CT
schools have indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) IAQ Tools for Schools (TfS) program can help address these problems. During the past 8 years, there have been many accomplishments contributing towards improved IEQ and health in CT schools after TfS was implemented.  The implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) IAQ Tools for Schools (TfS) program has helped to
address these problems in over 700 schools in Connecticut. Some of the accomplishments after the implementation of TfS include:

Here are just some of these accomplishments.

 Improved Health Outcomes

• A decrease in IAQ complaints of 66% or greater in 9 out of 13 elementary schools. (Waterford)
• A reduction in IAQ complaints from 70 to 3 in two years. (Amity Region 5)
• An 11% percent (4,978) reduction in the number of visits to the school nurse. (North Haven)
• A decrease of 48% in the number of reported cases of respiratory-related illnesses. (North Haven)
• A decline of 21.2% (from 11,334 to 8,929) in asthma incidents in one year. (Hartford)
• Absenteeism cut by more than half (Hamden)
• Number of asthma-related health office visits decreased from 463 to 82 over 4 years. (Chester)
• Positive health impacts documenting the relationship between improved IAQ and health were demonstrated in 17 separate studies. (Carnegie Mellon University Center for Building Performance, 2005 Greening America’s Schools, Capital E., 2006).

Cost Savings

• Decreased insurance premiums. The CT Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA), a CT insurance provider, reviewed 47 member school districts that have implemented TfS. Fifteen districts (32%), saw a decrease in IAQ claims frequency. The average decrease was 3.6 claims. The severity of claims decreased 87%, for a total savings of $56,705.
• Increased efficiency through system changes, staff utilization, and new equipment.
• Decreased energy costs with well maintained buildings and equipment.
  

Positive Public Relations

• Positive feedback from teacher’s unions
• Positive media coverage.
• Improved faculty and staff morale.
• Increased community trust.
  

Improved Academic Performance

• A recent critical review of the literature confirms that poor IAQ in schools adversely impacts student health and productivity. Poor IAQ can reduce academic performance by 2 to 6 percent. (Mendell & Heath, 2005; Indoor Air; 15 (1):27-52).
  

Growing evidence that increased ventilation rates lead to higher reading and math scores.Developed a preventive maintenance program.Established district IAQ CoordinatorsImplemented new custodial protocolsDeveloped new policies (no animals, no idling of vehicles)Began using green cleaning products.

Connecticut EPA Excellence Award Winning School Districts!

This national award is given to a few select schools who have displayed exemplary IAQ programs. Find out more about this award and how to apply at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools

CT School Districts That Have Implemented Tools for Schools

MAP:

A larger version of this map can be viewed at:  www.ct.gov/dph. Please note that the school districts in green (dark) represent districts who have completed the two-part TfS training conducted by the Connecticut Schools indoor Environment Resource Team. The status of implementation may differ. Also note that many school districts have completed refresher and advanced custodian training to sustain their program.

What some CT schools have done to make their TfS Program Successful:

• Developed a preventive maintenance program.
• Established district IAQ Coordinators
• Implemented new custodial protocols
• Developed new policies (no animals, no idling of vehicles)
• Began using green cleaning products.
  

School nurse and TfS coordinator: “I feel our schools are cleaner and healthier than before Tools for Schools.”

For more information about the Environmental Protection Agency Tools for Schools Program,
contact Kenny Foscue at 860-509-7740.