Heating and cooling account for 50-70% of the energy consumed in the average American home. Heating water accounts for another 20%. A poorly insulated home loses much of this energy, causing drafty rooms and high energy bills. This fact sheet discusses how to determine if your home needs more insulation, the additional thermal resistance (called…

Identifies specific problem areas related to the handling, storage, and conservation of microforms and outlines recommendations for dealing effectively with them. A bibliography of 11 items is included. (Author/CHC)

Because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country, the article presents a question and answer sheet on where radon comes from, which buildings are most likely to have radon, how to tell whether there is a problem, and expenses involved in testing and fixing problems. (SM)

An energy audit is an effective method to determine how much energy a home uses each year, whether the energy is being used efficiently, and where a home wastes energy. This fact sheet describes tools and techniques used for home energy audits, as well as how to perform a do-it-yourself audit. It discusses professionals who conduct home energy…

This guide addresses existing New York laws and available resources to ensure that every child and school employee has an environmentally safe and healthy school. Topics discussed involve indoor air quality; toxic and hazardous chemicals; pests and pesticides; mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria; asbestos; lead; radon; exhaust fumes from idling…

This document consists of a collection of fact sheets about the use of pesticides in schools and how to reduce it. The sheets are: (1) "Alternatives to Using Pesticides in Schools: What Is Integrated Pest Management?"; (2) "Health Effects of 48 Commonly Used Pesticides in Schools"; (3) "The Schooling of State Pesticide…

Lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Lead is also harmful to adults. Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible. Lead-based…

This study indicates that university students prefer media presentation rooms specially designed, built, and equipped according to well established and accepted environmental design and display system engineering principles to other, non-environmentally controlled media classrooms. It is concluded that students are capable of reliably evaluating…

This factsheet is for anyone responsible for modernization projects in California's public schools where materials containing lead may be disturbed or where lead abatement is planned. It explains the state requirements for properly dealing with lead hazards so that children and workers are protected. Its sections address why to be concerned about…

Schools may be a significant source of radon exposure for children and staff. Describes radon detection kits and technologies, when to use them, and what action to take given the results of a radon test. (MLF)

Colleges and universities have been major beneficiaries of nonenforcement of existing regulations in the areas of civil rights, the environment, employee safety, and financial accountability. Lists prominent existing federal regulations that should be reviewed in order to achieve compliance. (MLF)

Hazardous waste management is a continual process. Administrators should maintain good relations with state agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency and use them as resources. Contacts with businesses and professional groups as well as forming coalitions with neighboring districts are ways to share information and expenses. (MLF)

Discusses the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and how effective it is in the schools. The article describes a 1991 evaluation of AHERA which found that it had been generally successful (with notable exceptions). It also considers the school reinspection process which will be completed by July 1992. (SM)

Provides an outline by which corporations can develop internal auditing programs to comply with government standards. Points discussed include roles and responsibilities; instructional design; and supporting documents. (MDH)

Examines how indoor air quality (IAQ) problems can create difficulties for a school both administratively, and legally. Discusses how to identify the IAQ symptoms and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's industry standards for IAQ, as well as tips for reducing liability risk. (GR)