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Shelley Bengtson CIEC
Environmental Specialist
Office
(402) 557-2800
Fax
(402) 557-2809
Shelley Bengtson CIEC
Environmental Specialist
Office
(402) 557-2800
Fax
(402) 557-2809
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The Omaha
Public School (OPS) Indoor Air Quality Program
takes a two pronged approach achieving and
maintaining good indoor air quality. The first
approach deals with the control of any airborne
substance, especially asthma triggers that can
affect the comfort and safety of students and
staff. Along with controlling asthma triggers,
OPS seeks to control toxic and potentially
hazardous materials. Potentially hazardous
materials include all chemical compounds that
may be harmful though not necessarily meeting
the regulatory definition of a hazardous
material. Toxic and potentially hazardous
materials include all traditional environmental
concerns such as asbestos, radon, lead, and
chemical exposure.
Several steps are taken in the
buildings to ensure good indoor air quality.
Proper and routine cleaning is probably the most
significant step that can be taken. Buildings
are furnished with entry mats to cut down on the
amount of dirt and debris carried in from
outdoors. All secondary and a large number of
elementary school buildings are finished with
hard surface flooring in high traffic areas for
ease of cleaning. Carpet is generally
restricted for use in traditional instructional
classrooms, administrative areas and media
centers. Floors around drinking fountains and
sinks are most frequently finished with hard
surfaces also. Ease of cleaning building
spaces and controlling water are two of the most
important factors influencing air quality and
asthma triggers.
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- Asthma Triggers
- Second Hand Smoke
- Pollen and Mold Spores
- Dust Mites
- Cockroaches
- Animal Dander
- Asthma Video
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Controlling the incidence of asthma attacks can be greatly improved by eliminating as much as possible, known asthma triggers. Not all asthma triggers are easy to control, but several can be. Those triggers that are closely related to allergy-triggered asthma are easier to control than cold-weather or activity related asthma. Second hand smoke, pollen and mold spores, dust mites, cockroaches, and animal dander are major asthma triggers that can be controlled by taking a few steps.
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OPS has maintained a strict policy prohibiting smoking on district property, buildings and grounds, for more than a decade. Smoking is not allowed by staff, visitors or contractors throughout the year regardless of the presence of students. Smoking is not allowed in any OPS student transportation, delivery or maintenance vehicles.
OPS has maintained a strict policy prohibiting smoking on district property, buildings and grounds, for more than a decade. Smoking is not allowed by staff, visitors or contractors throughout the year regardless of the presence of students. Smoking is not allowed in any OPS student transportation, delivery or maintenance vehicles.
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Infrequent air filter changing causes the material to become overloaded, fall from its position and allow outdoor air to by-pass filtration. This first step is necessary to improve or maintain good indoor air quality. Pollen and mold spores are found in the outdoor air throughout most of the year. Filters are not able to remove all pollen or spores but will greatly reduce the number of each drawn into the building. Of course, outdoor air intakes must be kept free of debris, water, insect and bird parts. Pollen spores are usually drawn into the building from outdoors. The interior contribution to indoor air from potted plants is negligible. Most pollen spores responsible for allergic reactions are those from grasses, weeds and trees. Allergic responses to flowers are very rare since flower pollen is usually heavy and waxy, not likely to become airborne.
Potted plants can contribute to mold spores inside the building. These soils should be inspected for signs of mold growth when watering. Plant surfaces too can harbor molds that are visible as rust or sore spots. However these are pathogenic to the plant and not to humans. Since Omaha is located in a predominately agricultural based ecosystem, the presence of mold spores pathogenic to plants is not uncommon in air samples.
By collecting and comparing data from samples collected inside and outside the building, the possible source of the mold spores can be determined. A mold spore amplification of one species from samples collected indoors indicates the growth is probably inside. Mold spores generated inside the building are usually the result of a water leak. Whenever water stains or leaks are observed they should be reported immediately to determine the potential source. Water stains can originate from leaking pipes, leaking roofs, dripping condensation on water lines or occupant activities. Automatic sprinkler systems have also contributed to this issue when water is sprayed against the building at unusual angles finding pathways through the building exterior.
Uncontrolled water releases need to be dried within 48 hours. Since mold spores are always present (though greatly reduced in winter weather) this 48 hour timeline is critical to help prevent germination of mold spores. Water damaged soft surface materials, such as paper, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture and carpet, may not be salvageable even if it is dried within the 48 hour time. (Refer to Appendix A)
Some mold species do not require liquid water to germinate. These species can germinate in areas of high humidity especially if the growing substrate is left undisturbed. Limiting relative humidity in buildings between 30 – 60% will help control these species of mold. Limiting the availability of water is also critical to controlling dust mites and cockroaches.
Infrequent air filter changing causes the material to become overloaded, fall from its position and allow outdoor air to by-pass filtration. This first step is necessary to improve or maintain good indoor air quality. Pollen and mold spores are found in the outdoor air throughout most of the year. Filters are not able to remove all pollen or spores but will greatly reduce the number of each drawn into the building. Of course, outdoor air intakes must be kept free of debris, water, insect and bird parts. Pollen spores are usually drawn into the building from outdoors. The interior contribution to indoor air from potted plants is negligible. Most pollen spores responsible for allergic reactions are those from grasses, weeds and trees. Allergic responses to flowers are very rare since flower pollen is usually heavy and waxy, not likely to become airborne.
Potted plants can contribute to mold spores inside the building. These soils should be inspected for signs of mold growth when watering. Plant surfaces too can harbor molds that are visible as rust or sore spots. However these are pathogenic to the plant and not to humans. Since Omaha is located in a predominately agricultural based ecosystem, the presence of mold spores pathogenic to plants is not uncommon in air samples.
By collecting and comparing data from samples collected inside and outside the building, the possible source of the mold spores can be determined. A mold spore amplification of one species from samples collected indoors indicates the growth is probably inside. Mold spores generated inside the building are usually the result of a water leak. Whenever water stains or leaks are observed they should be reported immediately to determine the potential source. Water stains can originate from leaking pipes, leaking roofs, dripping condensation on water lines or occupant activities. Automatic sprinkler systems have also contributed to this issue when water is sprayed against the building at unusual angles finding pathways through the building exterior.
Uncontrolled water releases need to be dried within 48 hours. Since mold spores are always present (though greatly reduced in winter weather) this 48 hour timeline is critical to help prevent germination of mold spores. Water damaged soft surface materials, such as paper, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture and carpet, may not be salvageable even if it is dried within the 48 hour time. (Refer to Appendix A)
Some mold species do not require liquid water to germinate. These species can germinate in areas of high humidity especially if the growing substrate is left undisturbed. Limiting relative humidity in buildings between 30 – 60% will help control these species of mold. Limiting the availability of water is also critical to controlling dust mites and cockroaches.
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Increased high humidity is often associated with an increase in the dust mite population in occupied buildings. Dust mites eat shed skin cells. Regular vacuuming and cleaning will help limit the number of skin cells, thus the dust mite population. Fibrous surfaces such as carpet, upholstered furniture, and curtains need particular attention when cleaning to control the population of this asthma trigger.
Increased high humidity is often associated with an increase in the dust mite population in occupied buildings. Dust mites eat shed skin cells. Regular vacuuming and cleaning will help limit the number of skin cells, thus the dust mite population. Fibrous surfaces such as carpet, upholstered furniture, and curtains need particular attention when cleaning to control the population of this asthma trigger.
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Just like dust mites, the excrement and proteins released from the degradation of cockroach body parts elicits an allergic response and possibly an asthmatic reaction in some individuals. Cockroach population control depends on a number of factors including limiting the availability of water, food and shelter. Cockroaches do not require a lot of water but may come into a building in search of it. They are frequently found in areas where water is found such as bathrooms, kitchens, pipe chases, pipe tunnels, etc. Water condenses wherever moist humid air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Condensate on pipes or from an air conditioner is sufficient to support a cockroach. Some species of cockroach get enough water from food that they can survive for long periods of time without liquid water. Potted plants can also supply water to cockroaches. A layer of pebbles on the surface of the soil can help prevent this from happening.
Food is also critical for cockroach survival. The smallest food crumb can be a feast for these bugs. All food, including that found in classrooms, should be sealed in air tight containers to prevent access to the contents. Cockroaches are also fond of grease and can obtain enough food from grease spots to be sustaining. However, cockroaches are most attracted to protein as a food source. Nail clippings, hair, fur, skin cells from humans or other animals, and other insects or their parts are calling cards for cockroaches. Again, frequent cleaning is important to remove their food source and help control these insects.
Cockroaches like to live in small spaces so that their back and legs are in contact with a solid surface. Tight spaces such as those found in cardboard, hollow legs and hollow cabinet doors are perfect shelter for roaches. Boxes stored in closets, basements or crawlspaces, not only create a fire issue but provides a perfect habitat for cockroaches. Cockroaches generally live within 15 to 25 feet of their nest. Individual roaches may stray farther than that in search of food or water. If none is found, it will simply move on. Since cockroaches generally live within 20 feet of their nest, roach sightings including location need to be noted. Repeated sightings of young cockroaches are a good indicator of a nearby nest. Particulars concerning pest control can be found in the OPS Integrated Pest Management Plan, currently under development
Just like dust mites, the excrement and proteins released from the degradation of cockroach body parts elicits an allergic response and possibly an asthmatic reaction in some individuals. Cockroach population control depends on a number of factors including limiting the availability of water, food and shelter. Cockroaches do not require a lot of water but may come into a building in search of it. They are frequently found in areas where water is found such as bathrooms, kitchens, pipe chases, pipe tunnels, etc. Water condenses wherever moist humid air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Condensate on pipes or from an air conditioner is sufficient to support a cockroach. Some species of cockroach get enough water from food that they can survive for long periods of time without liquid water. Potted plants can also supply water to cockroaches. A layer of pebbles on the surface of the soil can help prevent this from happening.
Food is also critical for cockroach survival. The smallest food crumb can be a feast for these bugs. All food, including that found in classrooms, should be sealed in air tight containers to prevent access to the contents. Cockroaches are also fond of grease and can obtain enough food from grease spots to be sustaining. However, cockroaches are most attracted to protein as a food source. Nail clippings, hair, fur, skin cells from humans or other animals, and other insects or their parts are calling cards for cockroaches. Again, frequent cleaning is important to remove their food source and help control these insects.
Cockroaches like to live in small spaces so that their back and legs are in contact with a solid surface. Tight spaces such as those found in cardboard, hollow legs and hollow cabinet doors are perfect shelter for roaches. Boxes stored in closets, basements or crawlspaces, not only create a fire issue but provides a perfect habitat for cockroaches. Cockroaches generally live within 15 to 25 feet of their nest. Individual roaches may stray farther than that in search of food or water. If none is found, it will simply move on. Since cockroaches generally live within 20 feet of their nest, roach sightings including location need to be noted. Repeated sightings of young cockroaches are a good indicator of a nearby nest. Particulars concerning pest control can be found in the OPS Integrated Pest Management Plan, currently under development
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Totally eliminating animal dander is impossible as any occupant or visitor to the building can carry animal dander from their home pets on their clothes. This unlikely introduction of animal dander has been thought to be significant enough to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Before classroom pets are allowed in a classroom, each student or staff member should be questioned concerning their known allergies or asthma triggers. Classroom pets should be kept in cages and in spaces away from air flow. Under no circumstances should pet cages be placed over wall units that supply air to the room. Animal dander can be introduced to areas well beyond that classroom. Regular cleaning of these pets’ cages is a necessary part of controlling insect pests. Food for these animals needs to be kept in tough air tight containers such as jars with screw lids or heavy plastic containers with fitted lids to prevent access by insects including cockroaches.
Totally eliminating animal dander is impossible as any occupant or visitor to the building can carry animal dander from their home pets on their clothes. This unlikely introduction of animal dander has been thought to be significant enough to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Before classroom pets are allowed in a classroom, each student or staff member should be questioned concerning their known allergies or asthma triggers. Classroom pets should be kept in cages and in spaces away from air flow. Under no circumstances should pet cages be placed over wall units that supply air to the room. Animal dander can be introduced to areas well beyond that classroom. Regular cleaning of these pets’ cages is a necessary part of controlling insect pests. Food for these animals needs to be kept in tough air tight containers such as jars with screw lids or heavy plastic containers with fitted lids to prevent access by insects including cockroaches.
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