Contractor: Asthma Management in Early Child Care

Renovation and repair projects often produce dust and materials such as caulks, solvents, paints, adhesives and sealants may give off fumes with strong odors. Contractors should limit all occupants’ exposure to dust and fumes produced from renovation and repair projects as much as possible.

The following steps will help reduce exposure to dust and strong odors during renovation or repairs:

• Plan to do pollutant and dust producing renovation activities when the faculty is vacant, such as on weekends or vacation periods.

• Separate children and staff from renovation areas where dust and fumes are produced. Block returns from work areas to minimize dust and odors traveling to other areas of the building. Use exhaust fans to remove odors and dust.

• New products, such as carpet, resilient flooring and paint, off-gas (release) pollutants once installed. Increase the exhaust ventilation to areas where new products are installed for a minimum of 72 hours or until odors subside.

• Formaldehyde is used in many building products. New building products used should be formaldehyde-free.

• Be sure there is proper ventilation during all renovation projects.

• Do not run generators near windows that open and close or ventilation air intakes.

• Be aware of school policies concerning indoor air quality issues.

• Carpet is not recommended in child care facilities. However, when carpet is installed select a carpet, cushion, and adhesive that:
   

  1. Has been tested for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions under the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Indoor Air Quality Green Label testing programs;

  2. Can be easily cleaned and maintained;

  3. Is constructed to prevent liquids from penetrating the backing layer where moisture under the carpet can result in mold growth; and

  4. Can be easily removed without the use of toxic chemicals.
      

• For carpets and resilient flooring, use the least toxic adhesive possible and use the smallest amount of adhesive necessary to fulfill the manufacturer’s performance specifications for that product. Instead, specify tack-down carpet to eliminate gluing.

• Do not install carpet near water fountains, sinks, or other locations where it may get wet.

• Adhere to school policies on indoor air quality issues.