Subject:

Indoor Air Quality in Our Schools

Dear Legislator,

As a constituent who cares about the health and safety of those who learn and work in our public schools, I urge you to support S.6563 (Cooney), which will ensure that students and staff in our public schools have safe indoor air quality by allowing for the professional assessment of public schools' HVAC/carbon dioxide systems and providing for improvements and the continued maintenance of such systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the importance of properly functioning HVAC systems in our schools, particularly as they relate to indoor air quality and the respiratory health of students and staff.

Although schools are now fully open, their outdated or inadequate HVAC systems leave many schools susceptible to harmful airborne particles and, therefore, vulnerable to any contaminants or contagions that enter our school buildings. It is important for New York state to establish legislation that provides for the safe and proper filtration of air throughout each school building.

Approximately 41% of U.S. school districts need HVAC and carbon dioxide system improvements, repairs or updates. Poor indoor air quality in public schools can affect the health of students and staff, increase the risk of infections from airborne diseases and negatively impact student attendance and academic performance.

Schools are often more densely occupied than office buildings. Therefore, to ensure that we are providing a safe learning environment, New York must create a statewide program that requires schools to undergo a professional evaluation of their HVAC systems; repair and/or replace their outdated, worn or inefficient HVAC systems; and monitor their HVAC systems to ensure they meet established ventilation rates on an ongoing basis.

Thank you for your consideration on this important matter. I respectfully ask that you raise this issue with your leadership and members of your conference, and I would appreciate a response to my email.

Sincerely,

×