Schoolkids raising their hands in classroom at school

Indoor Air Quality in Education

Research Shows a Direct Correlation Between Indoor Air Quality, Student Performance, and Absenteeism

Children’s lungs develop until the age of 18, making them more susceptible to any IAQ pollutants. 5.1 million children under the age of 18 who suffer from asthma are already at risk of an asthma trigger which is the leading cause of school absenteeism, contributing to over 14 million school days missed annually. Poor indoor air quality is also attributed to significant acute effects on cognitive performance including slower response times and sharp reductions in cognitive function. In higher education there are approximately 1.7 million full- and part-time college students in the US that have been diagnosed with asthma, according to the American College Health Association (ACHA). In addition, twenty-two percent of college students have allergies.

_Sources:_{https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/the-science/}_{https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthybuildings/work/healthy-schools/}

What Role Does Flooring Play in Indoor Air Quality?

Flooring can contribute to healthy indoor air quality by using healthy materials, entry systems and a simple maintenance regimen. COVID relief funds were made available to schools to reduce the negative impact indoor air quality had on learning. Healthy spaces begin with healthy materials, which is why Tarkett has assessed 95% of raw materials for health and environmental impacts according to Cradle to Cradle principles. Tarkett is also the first manufacturer to offer both resilient and soft-surface floor coverings that are CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly^® by Allergy Standards Ltd. For this reason, Tarkett products support safe and healthy learning environments in which students and faculty can thrive.

Open room with abstract patterned carpet, built-in bookcases to right full of books, work table and chairs to back of room

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality by controlling particulate localization

In the United States, 6.1 million children (1 in 12) have asthma. The condition has become the leading chronic cause of school absenteeism, attributing to about 10 million missed school days each year. Poor indoor air quality can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, but CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly^® products like Powerbond^® RS are scientifically proven to reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. In scientific testing by Allergy Standards Ltd, 95% of allergens were removed from Powerbond RS with a dry vacuum.

_{Sources: (1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/sars-cov-2-transmission.html / 2. http://orgs.utulsa.edu/iap/Publications.php / 3. ISSA.org)}

Classroom with blue abstract patterned carpet, desks and chairs to left, white wall ahead with white board and analog clock

Cradle to Cradle® Certifications

Tarkett’s dedication to the principles of Cradle to Cradle places the certification’s key values at the forefront of our eco-design process. The C2C methodology applies science-led thinking to implement circular economy solutions by evaluating material health, product circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship and social fairness. Tarkett has assessed 95% of its raw materials and earned multiple Cradle to Cradle certifications for varying flooring solutions.

Corner of room with 3 kids and one adult sitting floor reading a book, one child sitting at table coloring

Why is Asthma & Allergy Certification So Important in Education

Reducing exposure to triggers and allergens is critical to controlling asthma and allergy symptoms. There are many products that claim to help improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. The Asthma and Allergy Certification program tests products in independent laboratories to see if they meet strict scientific standards. If they pass all tests, they earn the AAFA certification.