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The School District of Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach, Florida Receives U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality Excellence Award

Release Date: 10/31/2003
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, EPA Media Relations, 404-562-8421

The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the School District of Palm Beach County has been selected to receive the Indoor Air Quality-Tools for Schools 2003 Excellence Award. Steve Johnson, Acting Deputy Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency presented the award during the 4th Annual Indoor Air Quality-Tools for Schools National Symposium in Washington, DC, on October 27, 2003. This prestigious award recognizes exemplary indoor air quality programs and commitment to provide a healthy learning environment for students and staff. The School District of Palm Beach County maintains good indoor air quality in their 160 schools through continual training, policies, and perseverance. Palm Beach County School District established the Environmental Control Office (ECO) who used the methods and analysis outlined in the IAQ TfS Kit to develop programs for HVAC preventive maintenance, integrated pest management, carpet removal, and classroom pets. The district has noted a drop in IAQ-related complaints since this program was developed. In 1995, the EPA developed the voluntary IAQ TfS Kit and Program in response to government studies highlighting the deteriorating conditions of the nation's schools and the alarming rise in asthma cases, particularly among school and preschool age children. Asthma alone accounts for 14 million missed school days each year. Today, one out of every 13 school-age children has asthma. The IAQ TfS Kit is a flexible, comprehensive resource designed to help school staff identify, resolve, and prevent indoor air quality problems and is available to schools at no cost. Currently, an estimated 10,000 schools and school districts across the country are utilizing the Program.