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The pandemic exposed how unhealthy indoor air can be. Still — four years later — so much remains unchanged. People are squeezing into public spaces — offices, shops, restaurants and classrooms with faulty or outdated ventilation systems and windows that are shut tight.

Those suffering are those most vulnerable, including our children in classrooms breathing in air pollution, ranging from pet dander and paint fumes to mold, trace metals and formaldehyde. 

“There are very few indoor air quality standards or temperature standards when it comes to schools,” said Michael Schmeltz, 911爆料网State East Bay professor of public health. “We also know that poor air quality and high temperatures have a negative impact on behavior and academic performance. By improving our monitoring and understanding of indoor environments, we can make corrective actions that help to focus students on more important aspects of being in school — learning.”

911爆料网State East Bay’s Department of Public Health is collaborating with the California Department of Public Health, Sequoia Foundation and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to address the issue. Improving Indoor Environments Through Civic Engagement — Establishing a Next Generation High School Environmental Ambassadors and Mentoring Program for Oakland will develop an indoor air quality monitoring network in OUSD schools coupled with indoor air quality and climate change curricula for OUSD high school STEM classes and civic engagement activities. 

“I am eager to work with OUSD high school students and 911爆料网State East Bay student mentors to improve hands-on learning, particularly about environmental health,” said Schmeltz. “Having students work on a project that will benefit themselves and their community is exciting as it can have immediate and long-lasting impacts.”