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Oregon Schools Get National Recognition for Clearing the Air

Release Date: 05/06/2009
Contact Information: Susan Titus, EPA Indoor Air Program, (206) 553-1189, titus.susan@epa.gov; Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, (206) 553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov

(Cottage Grove, Ore.—May 6, 2009) Four Oregon school districts and programs are being recognized nationally for their work to improve children’s health by promoting good indoor air quality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The following school programs and districts will receive the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Great Start Award on May 7 at an indoor air conference in Cottage Grove, Ore.:

● Oregon Child Development Coalition, Wilsonville, Ore.
● Marcola School District, Marcola, Ore.
● North Wasco County School District, The Dalles, Ore.
● Klamath County School District, Klamath Falls, Ore.

According to the EPA, indoor pollutants in schools can make students vulnerable to illnesses including headaches, nausea, asthma and other respiratory problems.

The Oregon school programs and districts took steps to improve indoor air quality including:

● Briefing teachers about maintaining classroom airflow to reduce carbon dioxide levels
● Preparing to replace heating units to ensure better air filtration
● Acquiring indoor air monitoring equipment
● Making repairs and renovating facilities

The schools will be recognized at the Healthy Buildings, Active Learners: Improving Indoor Environments for Oregon Schools Conference.

Date: May 7, 2009
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm, Awards will be presented at 12:20pm
Location: Village Green Resort, Cascadia Room, Cottage Grove, Ore.

The U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Awards Program was initiated to recognize schools and school districts that have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving children's health by promoting good indoor air quality practices. EPA provides a series of national-level awards for schools and districts just beginning to implement indoor air quality management plans as well as those who have established ongoing, sustainable, district-wide indoor air quality programs.

For more information about the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program, visit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools.