VERMONT LAW PROTECTS SCHOOL AIR QUALITY
UPdate Summer 2001

     The State of Vermont thinks school air quality is important enough that it has passed "An Act Relating to Toxic Materials and Indoor Air Quality in Vermont Public Schools."  The Act notes that children are particularly susceptible to adverse health effects from hazardous chemicals and that reducing hazardous exposures and providing more clean air "increases the likelihood that school students and staff will be more alert and productive and may reduce risk of litigation." 

     The Act directs the Department of Health to develop a health website containing information about materials and practices "that may compromise indoor air quality or negatively impact human health", including molds, pesticides, building materials, cleaning and maintenance materials and inadequate ventilation. The Department is also made responsible to develop a model school environmental health plan to help schools correct potential problems.