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EPA Indoor Air Survey Completed At PS48; Finds Ways School Can Improve Its Air

Release Date: 06/24/1997
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(#97095) New York, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the results of an indoor air study conducted this winter and spring at Public School 48 (P.S. 48) in the South Bronx. The survey did not find any serious health threats, but did identify a number of areas in which the school can improve air quality.

"The parents should be relieved that we did not find high levels of metals and other chemicals that can seriously threaten children's health. We did, however, find some things that could trigger problems like asthma, allergies and headaches and could add to the discomfort of the children who attend P.S. 48 and school staff," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "Maintaining good indoor air quality is an on-going challenge in many older buildings such as P.S. 48, but there are actions that the school can take to improve conditions."

EPA conducted the survey to determine if indoor air quality problems exist at the school following reports that significant numbers of students at P.S. 48 were suffering from asthma and allergy symptoms, dizziness and headaches. In January, February and March of this year, air samples were taken at both the main school building on Spofford Avenue and the Early Childhood Center, an annex building on Coster Street. The two buildings were surveyed for temperature, relative humidity (RH), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). In addition, air and surface samples were analyzed for biologicals (bacteria and fungi) and airborne metals. Dust samples were analyzed for common allergens that can trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms. The building and its heating and ventilation systems were thoroughly inspected.

In general, EPA found the school to be relatively well-maintained and clean and conditions at the school were consistent with conditions in most older buildings. The elements that could pose a potential health threat (CO, TVOCs, PM, airborne metals), did not show any significant levels or were not detected at all. Bacteria and fungi were found mostly at low levels below levels found outdoors.

EPA did find that many classrooms were too hot and poorly ventilated, with temperatures in many classrooms over 80 degrees and carbon dioxide levels elevated. Because the school's main building uses a steam heat system, it cannot be easily adjusted and would be very costly to replace. The main building also has no active ventilation system and therefore modern ventilation system in the Early Childhood Center was not operating property. Because of poor ventilation, carbon dioxide levels were found to be high. Although they do not pose a health risk, both the heating problem and lack of circulated outdoor air might be contributing to fatigue and headaches.

Dust samples were taken from carpeted and dusty areas and analyzed for common allergens (dustmites, cockroach allergens, cat danger) known to aggravate allergies and asthma. Levels of dust mites were mostly low, but cockroach allergens were detected in nearly every sample taken, and cat dander was found in moderate amounts in the carpeted areas.

The Agency is recommending the repair of the ventilation system in the Early Childhood Center and the vacuuming of all carpeted and dusty areas in both buildings on a regular basis using a vacuum with a HEPA-filter, which can capture small particles associated with common allergens. EPA is also recommending that P.S. 48 consider installing special thermostats which may help alleviate some of the over-heating problems.

EPA will be available to consult with the Board of Education on practical solutions to the indoor air problems identified by the survey.

For more information contact:
Mary Mears, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3669 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: [email protected]