School Environment and Asthma

CO2 does not cause asthma.

CO2 levels are a reflection of ventilation.  Obtaining CO2 levels is a way to evaluate if there is enough outdoor air exchange.  CO2 is exhaled from our lungs with each breath; we are the source of CO2.  Outside air introduced into a space helps keep the levels down.  Controlling asthma triggers like fragrance and dust in a school is equally important to overall school indoor air quality.

What you can do?

If you have concerns about your child’s classroom environment contact your school Principal so the school or school system can investigate.

* Remember that every room and every school building is different.
* Class size can play a role in the reading.
* Levels change throughout the day.
* Concerns for school buildings need to be as specific as possible so that your request can be investigated.

Schools can implement the voluntary Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) Tools for Schools program to help develop a comprehensive indoor air plan.  Indoor Air teams  can be set up at each school and/ or school district.

Please see the Environmental Resources section of this website for more helpful resources!