Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Table of Contents Introduction Causes of poor indoor air quality Rate of schools with poor indoor air quality Health effects Addressing the problem Conclusion Reference List Introduction Indoor air quality in schools has a significant effect on students’ health. Schools offer a key indoor environment for students away or besides their home environment since they spend over ten hours per day at school. Since students spend many hours in schools, the issue of indoor air quality is of great significance and it should be handled with care (Daisey et al., 2003).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Indoor Air Quality in Schools specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indoor air pollution might lead to students suffering from long and short-term health complications. Besides, it might degrade the learning environment and affect the students’ performance. A research proved that â€Å"poor indoor air quality contr ibutes to asthma attacks, absenteeism, and more illness† (Salleh et al., 2011, p.419). Researches done in the United States proved that good indoor air quality influences the trend of school attendance among the students. Indeed majority of the students suffer from respiratory diseases, skin and eye irritation, fatigue, sneezing, coughing, and nausea due to poor indoor air quality (Daisey et al., 2003). This paper will focus on poor indoor air quality in schools in the United States, its causes as well as the health problems associated with poor indoor air quality. Causes of poor indoor air quality Many factors contribute to poor indoor air quality. The factors include â€Å"poor ventilation, availability of contaminant sources like building materials, indoor temperature and humidity, and maintenance activities†¦the contaminants may range from particles, formaldehyde, radon, bacteria, fungi, to nitrogen oxides† (Salleh et al., 2011, p.419). At times, the level of c ontaminants in indoors increases relative to the concentration outdoors. The concentration of contaminants in the indoor air may lead to the occupants experiencing a range of health symptoms and discomfort. Daisey et al. (2003) posit, â€Å"It is hard to identify the cause of discomfort due to the presence of both indoor contaminants and other indoor environmental factors† (p.62). Generally, water damage and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the major causes of poor indoor air quality. Malfunctioning HVAC systems lead to accumulation of carbon dioxide and indoor air pollutants in classes subjecting the students to health problems.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More HVAC systems that do not regulate the level of humidity in the buildings might lead to growth of mold and bacteria, which cause illnesses like coughing and breathing problems. Other cau ses of â€Å"poor indoor air quality include choice of the building materials, poor site selection, roof design, and improper installation among other causes† (Salleh et al., 2011, p.420). The site where a building is located contributes to indoor air quality. Schools located in regions with high humidity are prone to growth of mold if they do not have proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (Godwin Batterman, 2007). Besides, building repairs also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Some school buildings are too old such that it is hard to maintain them. Such buildings suffer from water damage, leaks, and excess moisture leading to poor air quality. Rate of schools with poor indoor air quality Half of the 120,000 private and public schools in the United States have poor ventilations systems (Godwin Batterman, 2007). Consequently, the schools have poor indoor air quality. Every year, over 55 million students enroll in these schools, thus exposing them to health hazards associated with poor indoor air (Godwin Batterman, 2007). In spite of the high number of students that are at risk of suffering from poor indoor air in schools, the government has done little to come up with a health agency responsible for enforcing and regulating policies with respect to precarious air atmosphere in schools. Over six million employees work in the country’s public schools. These employees also suffer the dangers of poor indoor air quality (Mendell Heath, 2005). The majority of employees agree that the air condition in their workplaces is wanting. Nevertheless, they do not have the capacity to address the problem. A research of school nurses carried out in 2010 found that over 40 percent of the participants were aware that students and employees were suffering from poor indoor air quality. Over 75 percent of the respondents agreed that their schools did not have a team to monitor and regulate indoor air quality.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Indoor Air Quality in Schools specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indeed, schools are doing little to marshal the resources necessary for making sure that all classrooms and other workrooms have proper ventilation systems (Tham Zuraimi, 2010). The American teachers have declared the problem of indoor air quality as one of the neglected challenges. Health effects Scholars continue to associate student performance with indoor air quality. They have found that many cases of sicknesses and absenteeism come because of poor indoor air quality. In return, they have adverse effects on the students’ performance. Some of the short-term illnesses that come because of poor indoor air quality include fatigue, poor concentration, nausea, loss of focus and impaired memory (Mendell Heath, 2005). Lack of air circulation in classrooms leads to increase in temperature. The high temperature causes discomfort and contributes to fatigue. Besides, poor circulation of fresh air in classrooms leads to the accumulation of different toxic gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. These gases lead to the students suffering from nausea. Schools erect the ventilation systems to aid in diluting or getting rid of airborne contaminants. The contaminants may emanate from cleaning agents, the breath from the students, as well as from pathogens. The ventilation systems enhance the circulation of fresh air, therefore diluting the airborne contaminants, while some of the contaminants are forced out of the building together with the contaminated air (Tham Zuraimi, 2010). Moreover, the ventilation system facilitates to regulate the level of carbon dioxide in the classrooms. Research has shown that high concentration of carbon dioxide in classrooms contributes to poor performance among the students. Besides, it leads to most of the students complaining of health problems. A study on students that learn in well-ventil ated classrooms found that the students scored higher marks on a standard test relative to students that learn in poorly ventilated classrooms. Poor indoor air quality leads to accumulation of bioaerosol contaminants in classrooms. According to Seppà ¤nen et al. (1999), bioaerosol contaminants refer to â€Å"a wide variety of agents from biological sources found in indoor environments† (p.227). The contaminants include bacteria, viruses, allergens such as the house dusts, and fungi that may contain irritants, toxins, and allergens.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Poor ventilation and other building features in classrooms contribute to respiratory diseases among the students. Even though no research has come up with the measurements of airborne virus in schools, some studies have compiled reports on the airborne bacteria (Seppà ¤nen et al., 1999). House dust contains bacterial endotoxins. Poor ventilation in schools leads to concentration of dust in classes. When students inhale the dust, the bacteria present in the dust leads to the majority of them exhibiting a number of flu-like symptoms. The students also suffer from breathing problems. Other negative health effects of poor indoor air quality include respiratory diseases and asthma. Yang et al. (2009) define asthma as, â€Å"A chronic respiratory inflammation that causes the airways to constrict and leads to wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing† (p.349). The majority of absenteeism cases reported in the United States schools are due to health problems related to poor indoor air quality. Most classes in the country are poorly ventilated leading to poor indoor air quality. Today, millions of students in the United States suffer from asthma, which account for over 14 million absenteeism cases recorded every year. The Institute of Medicine identifies moisture concentration in classrooms as the major cause of asthma in majority of the schools (Tham Zuraimi, 2010). There is a substantial relationship between humid enclosed spaces and asthma attacks. Improving indoor air quality goes a long way to reduce the number of absenteeism cases associated with asthma. Dampness and molds in classrooms contribute to health problems among the students. The presence of mold in classes causes throat irritation, coughing, headaches, tiredness, and wheezing. Students with weak immune systems, or who are vulnerable to infections, are prone to suffering from health problems related to mold and humid indoor environment (Tham Zuraimi, 2010). The health dangers linked to poor indoo r air quality can be treacherous and in stern cases, fatal. Both adults and children exposed to these lethal air surroundings in schools are prone to exhibiting physical signs associated to poor indoor air quality. Nevertheless, the effect of poor indoor air quality on children’s health might be more adverse than it is to the grownups. Children have weaker health defense mechanism than the adults. Therefore, their body would not withstand the poor indoor air quality health related challenges. Addressing the problem Schools can use different strategies to address the problem of poor indoor air quality. One of the strategies is source control. Source control is an effective and inexpensive approach that works on eliminating the sources of pollution. The other strategy that schools can use is enhancing their ventilation systems. Improved ventilations would help in regulating air circulation in the rooms. Schools can also use air cleaners to improve the quality of indoor air (Yan g et al., 2009). Air cleaners help to remove air pollutants from the air leaving the rooms free of pollutants. In addition to using these strategies, schools need to conduct regular supervision of their buildings to determine if there are signs of leaks, moisture, and mold, which would ensure that the buildings are in a condition that does not support the growth of air pollutants. Conclusion Indoor air quality in schools have significant effects on students’ health, However, little is done to ensure that schools work on the quality of their indoor air. Numerous factors contribute to poor indoor air in the majority of the schools. They include poor ventilation systems, building repair, site selection, and improper installations, among others. Today, over 60,000 private and public schools in the US have inadequate indoor air quality. The schools register over 55 million students every year, hence, subjecting them to health dangers associated with poor indoor air quality. Poor i ndoor air quality leads to students suffering from asthma, fatigue, nausea, and breathing problems. In addition, presence of mold in classrooms leads to students contracting a cough, throat irritation, and feeling tired. To address these problems, schools need to work on improving their ventilation systems and controlling the major sources of air pollution. Reference List Daisey, J., Angell, W., Apte, M. (2003). Indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools: An analysis of existing information. Indoor Air, 13, 53 – 64. Godwin, C., Batterman, S. (2007). Indoor air quality in Michigan schools. Indoor Air, 17(2), 109-121. Mendell, M., Heath, G. (2005). Do indoor pollutants and thermal conditions in schools influence student performance? A critical review of the literature. Indoor Air, 15, 27 – 52. Salleh, N., Kamaruzzaman, S., Sulaiman, R., Mahbob, N. (2011). â€Å"Indoor Air Quality at School: Ventilation Rates and It Impacts towards Children- A rev iew.† IPCBEE, 6, 418 – 422. Seppà ¤nen, O., Fisk, W., Mendell, M. (1999). Association of ventilation rates and CO2 concentrations with health and other responses in commercial and institutional buildings. Indoor Air, 9, 226-252. Tham, K., Zuraimi, M. (2010). Indoor air quality and its determinants in tropical child care center. Atmospheric Environment, 42, 2225-2239. Yang, W., Sohn, J., Kim, J., Son, B., Park, J. (2009). Indoor air quality investigation according to age of the school buildings in Korea. Journal of Environmental Management, 90(1), 348-354. This essay on Indoor Air Quality in Schools was written and submitted by user Tenebrous to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Iraqi Antiquities essays

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What Is Disturbance In The Natural Environment Environmental Sciences Essay Disturbance can involve any factor which disrupts ecosystem function by altering environmental conditions (wiki). The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) states that in order to optimise local species diversity, ecological disturbance must occur at a moderate frequency (wiki). Disturbance can vary in severity, occur at several temporal and spatial scales and be a result of natural or anthropogenic events (www.nature). Natural disturbance (e.g. fires, floods, volcanic eruptions) often prevents populations from reaching their carrying capacity (Wiens 1984; DeAngelis Waterhouse 1987; Pickett et al. 1992 Ecol theory). Anthropogenic disturbance ,however, has a larger detrimental impact on habitat. In the past, the influence of humans on ecosystems has been limited; yet modern impacts have more recently accelerated in gravity and range (wiki). Anthropogenic disturbance can change and damage habitat, alter ecological function and increase the probability of invasive species (invasive Holzner et al. 1983; Mills et al. 1994). Invasive species can cause local species extinction as well as preventing native species from being re-established (Simberloff 1990; Vitousek 1990). Once settled, the removal of these species is often challenging, as they are less affected by competition or predation than native species (ecol theory). Anthropogenic activities can also alter natural disturbance events (e.g. flood p revention methods, control of wildfires; www.nature). The restoration of disturbance regimes may be crucial. Restoration projects should aim to instigate or accelerate recovery after a disturbance, or to re-establish natural disturbance cycles (www.nature). 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However, in critically disturbed habitats, more concentrated efforts may be necessary and environmental conditions may need to be recreated to facilitate the processes of succession (wiki). Under these circumstances, restorationists may overlook early stages of succession in order to establish late successional species sooner (ecol theory). In some cases, underlying damage, such as soil damage, may also require restoration before the later stages of succession can begin (Whisenant 1999 ecol of rest). It has been found that succession theory is not always appropriate (Connell Slatyer 1977 ecol theory) Community patterns are often considerably unpredictable due to both disturbances and stochastic events (Fisher 1983; Levin 1989; Roughgarden 1989 ecol theory). As a result, successional theory has been deemed irrelevant in several systems (Roughgarden et al. 1987; Olafsson et al. 1994 ecol theory). 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Patch isolation, contiguity, size and shape (in terms of complexity) are all features which can be used to describe a landscape and these have all been found to have a large impact on both animal and plant populations (Turner Gardner 1990; Robbins Bell 1994 linking rest). According to the theory of island biogeography, populations are most likely to become extinct if a habitat is small and/or isolated from other populations. One of the assumptions of this theory states that the area between patches of habitat is both hostile and uniform. This theory assumes that the area between habitat patches (matrix) is both uniform and inhospitable. (Previous studies have suggested that the organisation of habitat types in a matrix can influence the movement of organisms and/or the role of landscapes (Gustafson Gardner 1996 linking rest).) Small and isolated habitats are also more susceptible to the detrimental effects of habitat fragmentation (nature). 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The role of restoration usually involves improving connectivity between patches by constructing or re-establishing links. This may be done with the use of corridors or stepping stones. Ecosystem Function Ecol of rest nutrient and energy fluxes are essential components of ecosystem function and stability at a range of spatial and temporal scales (Ehrenfeld Toth 1997; Aronson et al. 1998; Bedford 1999; Peterson Lipcius 2003). Ecosystem  function describes the foundational processes of natural systems, including nutrient cycles and energy fluxes. These processes are the most basic and essential components of ecosystems. An understanding of the full complexity and intricacies of these cycles is necessary to address any ecological processes that may be degraded. A functional ecosystem, that is completely self-perpetuating (i.e. no management required), is the ultimate goal of restorative efforts. 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College Admissions Essay: A Higher Understanding of Science :: College Admissions Essays

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Therefore, health care is considered a goods and service which has a high demand in the economics refer to consumers making rational choices to maximize utility, the intentions of this paper is to clarify the beneficial health care plans offered to Castor Collins Health as a group resulting from the Simulation review. In this selections which are chosen will clarify the Maximized profits and minimized risks from the reasons for choosing certain planning. Organizations are requiring health care benefits which are important to employees. It is beneficial to both employers and employees if any accidents, injury, burglary, or fire. It maintains the employee status for the organization. Economics play an immense role in selecting the correct health care plans which the organization ensure the plans offered accommodate their needs, meeting the standard which is requirements, and are cost-efficient. Corporate owners recognize the importance of developing a plan with the health care insurance provider which can maximize profits and minimize risks for the organization. The HMO’s is known as Health Maintenance Organizations, which preferred as a health plan used by different organizations. Castor Collins Health has chosen a representative for the company, to address the status which was selection against the other. In, 1999 Castor Collins was founded as a health plan as a regional HMO in the state of Pantome. The health insurance and health care services which are provided to over 100, 000 enrollees through its statewide network which consists of physicians and hospitals, which utilizes a capitation model to pay its network of health care providers. The company is not satisfied with the current number of enrollees and is looking to increase its numbers significantly. The Vice President and Strategy and Financial Planner at Castor Collins, goals are to come up with some type of beneficial health insurance plan to meet the growing needs of the organization. The organization was approached by two groups of individuals which providing health insurance. However, between the groups there are a difference in employees by 600 people and a maximum premium willing to pay by five hundred dollars. Both groups do not have employer insurance; however, they both must pay for their own insurance. â€Å"The group ConstructIt consists of 550 men and 450 women between the ages of 26 through 42 years. About 60 percent of the group is married† (University of Phoenix, 2013); therefore, the spouse and children of the employees must be considered when making a decision. â€Å"Thirty two percent of the individuals at ConstructIt have a work profile which consist of great physical activity, twenty five percent consist of moderate physical activity, and the remaining forty three percent is highly involved in sedentary activities† (University of Phoenix, 2013). Because the health care market is complex due to uncertainty on the supply and demand side, moral hazard, and adverse selection, the process of decision making for selecting proper health plans are more complex. The plans offered to Castor Collins Health are significant; however, only one can be chosen. Option one, Castor Standard does not cover pre-existing and option two, Castor Enhanced does cover pre-existing medical conditions. Castor Enhanced Minor is a third option which is customized. Therefore, about 38% of the employees are not a major risk for the organization. However, 18% of the employees smoke cigarettes and 13% suffer from respiratory illness. Although, obesity is a risk factor for the organization which about 39% of the employees suffer from obesity and are considered a risk for other illnesses which is connection to obesity. The simulation shows ConstructIt to have less medical issues with their employees than E-Editor as a low rationale for pre-existing conditions; however, the Castor Standard plan appears to be beneficial since it does not cover pre-existing medical conditions for the organizations. Order to charges the premium the Annual Earnings is $3428 for ConstructIt, which is much less than E-Editors. This risk is lower for providing this plan and unfortunately the returns are as well. It seemed to be a better option for the employees. Therefore, no plans were selected for the other group because the rates would have been immerses higher because the employees had more issues and conditions. The premiums would have been immerses higher and they would be more reluctant to pay them. Therefore, in the health care industry it is very demanding; however, it is often difficult to meet the needs of each individual when providing benefits in the workplace. Healthy employees bring success to the workplace. If employees can maintain their health on the job, it would be sufficient to provide beneficial insurance packages to each individual and their family members. This simulation helped to enhance the decision making process for a enormous company by determining which insurance plans were appropriate based on the needs of the organization and its employees.

Campaign Finance Reform Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

Campaign Finance Reform Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers Campaign Finance Reform CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM The campaign finance system is corrupted. Spending is out of control, and there are various loopholes in federal campaign finance law. Money buys access and influence, which effectively causes the majority of Americans to have no real capacity to influence public policy. State and federal legislation is needed to fight corruption and unjust influence, to ensure the publics right to know where a candidates money comes from, to enable all candidates to compete equitably in elections, and to allow maximum citizen participation in the political process. Rock the Vote believes that the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Bill, in its current state, should be the first piece of legislation signed into law in 2001. Bolder approaches could include: reducing the duration of political campaigns; requiring television and radio stations to air campaign advertising free of charge as a condition for maintaining their broadcast licenses; barring campaign advertising from the airwaves altogether; or placing strict limits on the amounts of money that can be spent by candidates and any and all of their supporters. Rock the Vote supports passing comprehensive legislation for meaningful campaign finance reform. The Mccain-Feingold bill proposes to end the soft money system by prohibiting candidates and national political parties from raising soft money. Soft money is a financial contribution intended to be used for issues advertising that dies not advocate on behalf of, or against, a specific candidate. Political parties currently use the legality of soft-money donations as a loophole in current campaign finance law, finding ways to channel this money into candidates' campaigns. The McCain-Feingold bill prohibits state political parties from spending soft money on activities which affect federal elections, The Current practice of raising unlimited soft money contributions from contributions, unions and wealthy individuals, and then channeling this money into federal elections, would end. The national parties would be required to raise all of their funds under the limits and restrictions in the law. Rock the vote advocates the signing the McCain-Feingold bill into law. Caps must be placed on campaign finance spending. Eliminating the soft-money loophole is one way to monitor, and hopefully restrict, the influence of corporate interest on candidates.

Policy advice Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Policy advice - Research Paper Example East Asia countries and other western countries had established a course towards progressive development, amongst them Japan, Italy, West Germany and France (Zakaria 49). It should be noted that after the fall of the Bretton Woods system in 1970s, occasioned by the growing international trade, the stock market crash of 1973-1974 and monetary economics, countries that emerged later focused on strong economic policies. The rise of BRICs especially China was therefore a progressive and steady economic growth having learnt from the various depressions. It appears that such economies thrived on protective policies. The US may consider analyzing such foreign policies to unravel their contributions to economic growth and see whether they may be applicable for the US case (Masters 1). Emerging economies such as China, Russia, and India have established competitive economic policies. India has a steadily rising economy, which is poised to be very competitive in the next decade. China’s economic rise in the global market has boomed in what appears to be a plan that was awaiting implementation. China is has practically overtaken the US and other western countries on the African continent and other areas. It has steadily rising middle class. The US should not sit back and watch or accept that global economics have changed, but conduct an assessment aimed at reclaiming her position on global economic front. It may take time to recover but it will certainly reverse the US economic trend (Zakaria 98). In the meantime, the US should formulate policies aimed at short-term recovery of micro-economy of the small states as leader negotiates a fair global competition for goods and patent rights of all countries. Should countries realize real global integration, it would still be wise to formulate acceptable rules of economic engagement for equitable benefit to enable all countries realize benefits of economic integration. The US may consider treating developing countries as

Learning and Development of New Employees Assignment

Learning and Development of New Employees - Assignment Example An effective indicator of how much training has helped the learning process is to analyze the performance of each group within the company before and after the training period. The assessment of learning need refers to two related and sequential activities. The first need is the identification of the learning need, and secondly, it is the analysis of the learning need. The identification and analysis of the learning need to enhance the ability and performance of an individual in the team. The crux of the matter is the correct identification and analysis. In the absence of these, it is not possible to see the desired results in the employees. The needs assessment phase of a learning and development project serves a diagnostic purpose and the needs assessment phase must be done properly as it is the basis for much subsequent learning and development. If this is not done, the training cannot be properly directed and inadequately focused and the consequences may be that learners may not acquire appropriate knowledge or skill, scarce and valuable resources may be wasted, the credibility of the learning and development function may suffer, and the learning and development program will not contribute to meeting the organization's strategic objectives. Although concerned with conceptual issues, there are practical issues also since it is the assessment of needs using valid and reliable tools which is of direct concern to the learning and development practitioner on a day-to-day basis. This model must pursue a clear, balanced approach to concepts and practice. One without the other will only render the model ineffective and hypocritical. The overarching purposes of needs assessment and learning and development planning are to ensure that learning and development interventions address priority learning needs that can enable individuals, departments or organizations to meet their goals and commitments, and are aligned between the individual's goals and commitments (Training 4 Business). On the Job Needs Assessment On the job needs assessment is to identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are likely to be required by a job holder. These are hierarchical task analysis, cognitive task analysis, and critical incident technique. These analysis and technique provide the trainee with a better understanding of the organization, better knowledge of the product, and ensures that the trainee is imparted necessary skills to raise performance levels.