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Tools to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance at Schools and Universities

IAQ Testing

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	3/22/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Tools to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance at Schools and Universities
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to identify indoor air quality issues to improve learning conditions.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, March 22, 2023 While the COVID pandemic brought new attention to the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and infection control programs in schools and universities, it has been known for years that student performance and attendance can be impacted by indoor environmental conditions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that programs that promote healthy indoor air quality can: Improve health Increase students’ ability to learn Improve test scores Improve adult productivity in the school system In fact, EPA warns that failing to prevent or respond promptly to IAQ problems can increase long- and short-term health effects for students and staff, such as: Coughing Eye irritation Headaches Allergic reactions Aggravate asthma and/or other respiratory illnesses In rare cases, contribute to life-threatening conditions such as Legionnaire’s disease or carbon monoxide poisoning “In response to COVID, many schools increased ventilation rates and invested in air purification and filtration systems to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus virus,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These actions can also help to decrease carbon dioxide levels and student and faculty exposure to other gases and odors; airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold; particulate matter; and a wide variety of allergens, respiratory irritants, and asthma triggers. Maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity level, and quickly responding to any water damage are other areas of importance as they can lead to the growth of mold, dust mites, and result in various respiratory issues.” To help school districts and universities provide a safe and healthy learning environment, EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services for bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, asbestos, lead, and other common environmental exposure risks. With laboratories throughout North America, EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools. They even recently sponsored and educational video about IAQ and student performance that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/M-XiWO44KL0 To learn more about this or other environmental and infection control testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To view the complete line of environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.