U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with schools to improve indoor air quality. EPA presented the Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools national awards to schools and school districts that have exemplary indoor air quality management programs. Poor indoor air quality can pose health risks in schools for both students and staff, causing asthma attacks, decreased performance and diminished concentration, refers EPA's press release.

"Schools that have indoor air quality management programs see improvements in student health," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator of Air and Radiation. "These award-winning schools have tackled tough issues and put in place great programs to resolve and prevent indoor environmental risks. I congratulate them on making remarkable progress toward safer and healthier learning environments."
At the Tools for Schools national symposium, EPA presented the 2006 Model of Sustained Excellence Award to four school districts for their enduring exemplary efforts to improve indoor air quality in schools. The Model of Sustained Excellence Award winners were Westborough Public Schools, Westborough, Mass.; Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, Ky.; Saugus Unified School District, Santa Clarita, Calif.; and Visalia Unified School District, Visalia, Calif.

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