ROCKVILLE, MD -- The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) officially endorsed a compelling new report from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) that brings attention to the poor condition of thousands of schools across the country. The AFT represents over 1.3 million school employees, and the report released December 4 highlights unhealthy conditions involving mold, air quality problems, temperature extremes, dilapidated classrooms, and infestation by rodents and insects in many U.S. public schools.

The AFT Report: "Building Minds, Minding Buildings - Turning Crumbling Schools into Environments for Learning" validates the findings of many IAQA members who are regularly involved with indoor air quality-related projects in public schools. IAQA's nearly 6,000 members have been on the forefront to help improve the air quality and environments of many of these schools, and the association agrees with AFT's conclusion that a tremendous national commitment is required to deliver healthy learning environments to American's schools.

IAQA has long been a champion of healthy schools. In March 2006, IAQA announced the co-funding of a University of Tulsa study on the correlation between indoor air quality and student performance. The study aims to further the needed research and attention that this important topic deserves, in order to ensure a healthy environment for both students and teachers within the public school system.

"The well being and education of our children are of the utmost importance to parents, but this is really a national crisis that deserves everyone's attention for the long-term health and strength of our country," said Glenn Fellman, executive director of IAQA. "IAQA urges the nation and its leaders to focus on this important AFT report and take appropriate actions to make all of our schools the best learning environments possible.”