Hundreds of school buildings across Connecticut are served by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are aging, in disrepair, or in urgent need of replacement. Some schools have no air conditioning at all.
As a result, school children and staff across the state are being subjected to extreme temperatures, mold, and other hazards that can impact human health and impede student performance.
Unhealthy classroom environments can have a significant impact on students’ learning and the health and well-being of everyone in a school. Extreme indoor air temperatures can cause “heat stress,” which can adversely affect students’ ability to learn. Unhealthy air in school buildings also contributes to higher rates of chronic illness among students and teachers, increased absenteeism, and an overall decline in student achievement.
Legislators are considering SB 423, which addresses indoor air quality (IAQ) in our schools. This bill would set enforceable temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality standards, require annual IAQ assessments in our school buildings, and create a sustainable framework to identify and fund necessary HVAC system upgrades, as needed.
CLICK HERE and ask your legislators to support improving indoor air quality in our schools by cosponsoring and passing SB 423 An Act Improving Indoor Air Quality in Public School Classrooms.
Please remember to share your stories so legislators understand that unhealthy air quality is a problem affecting school buildings across Connecticut.
Thanks for taking action. Together, we make a difference!
