Cafeteria

Gas Stove & Oven - Combustion Appliances

Gas stoves and ovens can be a source of indoor air pollution, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), if improperly used or malfunctioning. Nitrogen dioxide, among other pollutants, irritates the lungs and may worsen asthma symptoms.

• Be sure a gas stove and oven is properly vented and in good working order.

• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the room.

• Always use the exhaust hood when using a gas stove or oven.

Exhaust Hood - Mold

Excess water vapor can result in high humidity and wet surfaces which encourages the growth of molds, bacteria and dust mites. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.

• Always use the exhaust hood when using a stove or oven.

• Be sure exhaust hood is working properly.

• Many exhaust hoods do not vent outside; in this case open the closest window and frequently clean the exhaust screen.

Refrigerator - Mold

Mold is often found on old food items spilled or forgotten in the refrigerator. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.

• Clean out the refrigerator often to avoid mold growth.

• Throw away old food; wipe shelves, walls and drawers (including area under drawers) inside the refrigerator with a damp, soapy cloth.

• Check drip pans under the refrigerator for standing water and mold, drain when needed and wipe with a damp, soapy cloth.

Sink - Mold

Drain pipes under the sink may get condensation on them or drain pipes may develop leaks, encouraging mold growth. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms for children allergic to mold.

• Check drain pipes under sink for leaks and condensation periodically, fix leaks and wipe off condensation.

• Check under sink for signs of pests.

• Seal any cracks or crevices with caulk.

• Clean any mold growth with a damp, soapy cloth.

Trash Can - Pests

Uncovered trash cans are a good source of food for pests and attract cockroaches and mice. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches.

• Take out trash daily.

• Use good trash bags that resist tearing and tightly fitted trash can lids.

• Check cafeteria or kitchen floor for garbage, food crumbs and liquid spills, sweep and mop with a soap and water solution daily.

• Consider implementing the Indiana Pesticide Review Board’s suggested pesticide program, Model Pest Control Policy for Indiana Schools. Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel, note on the Pest Sighting Log.

• If you suspect pests try an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program rather than chemicals to deal with pests. Examples of IPM include sealing cracks and crevices, removing access to food and water, and using monitoring (sticky) traps or baits. If these actions do not work, low-impact pesticides may be used.

Food Scraps - Pests

Dirty dishes and food left out attracts pests, such as cockroaches and mice. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches.

• Do not leave out food or garbage.

• Wipe tables and counters with a damp, soapy cloth after meals. Sweep floors thoroughly.

• If you suspect pests, use plastic or glass containers for food storage.

• Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel, note on the Pest Sighting Log.

Peanut Butter - Food

Peanut allergies, though uncommon, can cause severe allergic reactions in children exposed to peanuts or foods containing peanuts. Anaphylaxis, a systemic reaction, is the most common reaction. But asthma symptoms can also occur for children with asthma and peanut allergy. Also, products containing sulfites (a food additive), such as processed potatoes, shrimp, and dried fruit can cause asthma symptoms, particularly in children with severe persistent asthma.

Cardboard Box - Pests

Cardboard boxes make good homes for pests such as cockroaches and mice. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches.

• Do not store food items in cardboard boxes. Consider using sealed plastic or glass containers.

• Limit the use of cardboard boxes for other stored items.

Air Vent - Dust & Mold

Many newer school buildings use a central heating and cooling system. Dust can accumulate on the ventilation grill and in the air ducts, containing allergic asthma triggers, such as mold spores and dust mite allergens. Mold can grow on the air vent or in the air duct work. Good air flow is needed to help reduce moisture in the air.

• Be sure the ventilation system is providing enough air flow (15 cubic feet per minute in the cafeteria and 20 cubic feet per minute in the kitchen) and return. Increase when needed. Refer to the EPA’s Tools For Schools Ventilation Checklist for how to measure air flow.

• Do not block air vent.

• Check air vents periodically. Vacuum with a brush attachment when needed. Wipe any mold off with damp, soapy cloth. Take the grill off to check the duct work for signs of mold. Be sure the grill is dry before replacing to prevent mold and rust.

• Maintain humidity levels below 50 percent.

Humidity Monitor - Mold & Dust Mites

Excess moisture and humidity levels above 50 percent encourage the growth of mold and dust mites. A humidity monitor will gauge the amount of moisture in the air.

• Consider installing humidity monitors intermittently throughout the school to gauge humidity levels. Particularly in areas that produce excess moisture, such as near locker rooms and the cafeteria.

• Use a dehumidifier. Many detect the humidity level and automatically turn on and off to adjust.

• Running an air conditioner will also help reduce humidity levels.

• Check the dehumidifier reservoir daily, empty and wipe out as needed.