Minister of Education says air quality issues are being addressed

"No student, parent or teacher should have to be concerned about the quality of air in our province�s schools," said Judy Foote, Minister of Education today. "This issue is of great concern to me. An enormous amount of work has been done in this area. We have allocated a significant part of the budget to see that any problems with air quality are fixed. The department and the school boards are aware of the importance of appropriate regular maintenance to ensure that problems stay fixed and that no new ones arise."

Two hundred and fifty schools out of 343 in the province have been tested for air quality. The air quality reports pointed to leaking roofs and windows, ventilation systems not properly maintained, carpeted floors and inoperable windows as contributing factors to the air quality problems. To date, $10.5 million has been spent on 364 projects in 212 schools in the province to address air quality issues and an additional $1.3 million has been spent on air quality testing, alone.

Remediation projects included roof repair or replacement, the replacement of carpeting with tile flooring; the replacement of old or damaged window coverings, ceiling tiles, wall materials and flooring; and the replacement of old windows with top-opening operable windows. In some schools, new exterior siding or brickwork was installed. In all newly built schools, state-of-the-art heating and ventilation systems were installed and the same systems replaced older ones in many schools that were renovated. These systems increase air circulation and improve humidity and temperature levels.

"We have learned, by working with school boards and air quality consultants, that the key to preventing air quality problems is regular maintenance. School boards and the department are working together to ensure that standard maintenance procedures are followed to prevent air quality problems. We are also working with boards to ensure funds are found for major maintenance items," added Minister Foote.

The Department of Education has consulted regularly with Dr. Thakor Patel, professor of Microbiology, MUN, an expert in air quality. Dr. Patel has guided the department according to guidelines set down by Health Canada with regard to CO₂ and mould and fungi levels.

"Talk of increased levels of carbon dioxide continues to come up. It is important to clarify this issue. Increased levels of CO₂ are normal and to be expected anywhere where a number of people gather. Human beings exhale CO₂. The fact is that a little ventilation is all it takes to reduce levels. A window or door opened an inch or two will do it � no different than �airing out� a stuffy room at home. It is only when levels are consistently high that a device such as an air exchanger would be required," said Dr. Patel.

"Government remains committed to ensuring the quality of air in schools does not pose a threat to the health of students or school staff. The Department of Education and school boards will continue to work with parents and school councils to address concerns as they arise," said Ms. Foote.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709)729-0048.

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