On Feb. 27, 2020, Senator Cory Booker and Representative Katherine Clark introduced the Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act. The proposed act would give schools a three-year grant to help them improve indoor air quality (IAQ). The grant would allow schools in high pollution areas or that pose a severe health and safety threat to install commercial air filters.
This program would be managed by the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These grants aim to:
- Improve the health and academic success of students
- Show the impacts of clean air in the classroom on student learning and health
- Support schools in advancing environmental justice
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Thank you @SenBooker and @RepKClark for introducing the Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act and including insights from @AAFANational on the impact of poor air quality in the classroom on students with #asthma! https://ctt.ec/Kb6vh+
IAQ in schools can impact children’s health and how well they do in school. In the United States, more than 53 million children and 6 million adults spend a large part of their days in more than 120,000 public and private schools.
According to the EPA, indoor air is more polluted than outside air. And studies show that poor IAQ increases risks of severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
Dust mites, pests and mold are some of the most common allergens and irritants found in schools. These can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of missed school days.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America was thrilled to provide insights to the bill sponsors on the impact of poor air quality in the classroom on students with asthma. We are excited to endorse the Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act. We thank Senator Booker and Representative Clark for their leadership on this important issue.
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