US EPA Design Tools for Schools aids in creating of healthy new schools. http://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor- air-quality- design-tools- schools Renovations in schools present challenges to the safety of occupants. These are not only physical “slip and fall” sorts of risks, but include possible risks from airborne chemicals and contaminants such as chemicals offgassing from… read more →
Introduction: There was a time when cheap land was a major factor for school site selection. Many schools were built on landfills, swamps, and near industries and highways. We had a new school with hundreds of tiny frogs in some classrooms because it was built on a swamp! Here is… read more →
It was the first day of school and the community was celebrating the opening of the new school. It had been a long time coming and the day had finally come. Within hours, however, some students and staff began having headaches, nose bleeds, sore eyes, brain fog and asthma attacks.… read more →
Comments January 2016: CCA Pressure Treated Wood has been phased out and better alternatives have been created since the writing of the following article. The article is included here because there is still a degree of relevance. PRESSURE TREATED WOOD AND ALTERNATIVES January, 2003 CCA Pressure Treated Wood is being… read more →
Indoor residential chemical emissions as risk factors for respiratory and allergic effects in children: a review Abstract: Most research into effects of residential exposures on respiratory health has focused on allergens, moisture/mold, endotoxin, or combustion products. A growing body of research from outside the US; however, has associated chemical emissions… read more →
Fibreglass ceiling tiles: It is best to review product information on the tiles being considered, however here are some general comments/questions to ask: Fibreglass ceiling tiles tend to be a good choice, however some may have formaldehyde glues as a binder. These glues are recognized hazards and need to be… read more →
Suggestions for inclusion in Calls for Qualifications, Tenders, and Contracts for Schools 1998 (updated 2008) The more messages about environmental issues that are placed in tenders, the sooner contractors will realize the marketplace is demanding more environmentally healthy and responsible actions and materials. Tenders for school construction and renovation should… read more →
In 1998 the Nova Scotia Department of Education asked CASLE to make presentations to the companies that were to build several new schools that would be leased back by the school boards (called P3 schools, or private, public partnership schools). The intent was to help create healthy buildings. School principals… read more →
Date: April 10, 2007 Prepared by: Enviro-Health Consulting Limited With G.W. Hearing Conservation and Civic Audiology Ltd. GENERAL SUMMARY In general, poor acoustics have the potential to permanently harm hearing and voices of teachers in particular, because they tend to spend their days in the same rooms. Further, research… read more →
Multiple Rooftop “Package” Ventilation Units as Compared to Enclosed or Penthouse Ventilation Systems for Schools a report prepared by CASLE for the N.S. Department of Education. January 20, 1999 edited for our website, February, 2001 Edit: April 2016 This report marked a huge advancement in the quality of ventilation systems… read more →