City of Bridgeport Expands Indoor Air Quality Program in Schools, Targets Efforts to Reduce Absences Among Students Affected by Asthma

“I am thrilled that we have taken the steps necessary to roll out the Tools for Schools program district-wide as a preventative program in maintaining healthy school environments for our children and teachers.”— Mayor Bill Finch

Bridgeport, CT (April 14, 2014) — The City of Bridgeport is moving forward in its effort to reduce asthma and allergy-related absences among children and the adults that serve them each day through the “Tools for Schools” air quality program. And today, the City’s Health and Social Services Department will sponsor free trainings at Dunbar School from 3 to 8 p.m., and in the fall for every Bridgeport Public School.

“I am thrilled that we have taken the steps necessary to roll out the Tools for Schools program district-wide as a preventative program in maintaining healthy school environments for our children and teachers,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “Exposure to chemicals, pesticides and mold impede students’ ability to attend school and learn. I support the department of health and the department of public facilities who work collectively to keep our schools safe for all children and staff affected by asthma.”

Healthy schools are vital to the development and learning of every student and also benefit teachers and staff when indoor air conditions are healthy. The Tools for Schools program, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will give each trained school the ability to adopt standard policies and procedures for maintaining air quality issues typically found within most schools, such as: HVAC system maintenance, moisture/mold control, pest management, green cleaning supplies, and school bus idling.

“Bridgeport has higher asthma rates than the statewide average due to a variety of factors beyond our control, including major highways running through our city,” said Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health and Social Services for the city. “That’s why it is so important that we work together to address factors that we can control. I am thrilled that the Board of Education has adopted this plan that works to create healthier air for our children to breathe. If we all do our part, we can collectively make a big difference in our children’s health.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air in schools and at home poses serious health risks and contributes to short- and long-term health problems including sore eyes, headaches, fatigue, respiratory tract infections and diseases, nose and throat irritation and allergic reactions.

To learn more about how to improve indoor air quality at home and at school, the city health department is sponsoring “Catch Your Breath: Things You Can Do to Improve Indoor Air Whether You Are 8 or 80”—a free event on April 14 at Dunbar School located at 445 Union Avenue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.