Students and staff spend 15,000+ hours in school. They deserve to breathe healthy air.
Clean Air Allies is a nonprofit working to make indoor air quality (IAQ) a priority in PK-12 schools, with a focus on California. We don’t emphasize one IAQ problem or technology. Instead, we champion the right of students, staff, families, and school communities—especially those most vulnerable—to breathe clean, cool air.
Born from a grassroots network of parent advocates who came together in fall 2023, we aim to build the evidence-based awareness, broad partnerships, and sound policy needed to make healthy air a durable reality in every school.
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Resources
Resource Summary: The CDC’s Guidance for Preventing Infections in K-12 Schools
Find out what the CDC advises schools do to prevent infections and keep staff and students healthy, in school, and learning, including steps for cleaner air.
Fact Sheet: CO vs. CO2, Both Relevant to School IAQ, But NOT the Same
Discover how carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), two commonly confused gases, affect indoor air quality in very different ways.
Fact Sheet: Why Care about School Indoor Air?
Read our concise introduction to indoor air quality, why IAQ at school matters, and what schools can do to improve it. Included is a reference list.
projects
Clean Air Allies’ CalSHAPE Outreach and Advocacy
Since fall 2023, Clean Air Allies has been involved in outreach and advocacy around the school healthy air grant program CalSHAPE. It funds MERV 13 filters, classroom CO2 monitors, and independent HVAC assessments, repairs, and upgrades. We’re currently working with a large and diverse coalition trying to save $194 million in existing program funds. Visit our CalSHAPE page to learn more about the program, our efforts, and what’s at stake for California schools.
News
Clean Air Allies Included in New GO IAQS for Schools Strategic Plan
A new strategic plan for indoor air quality in schools from UK-based nonprofit GO AQS names Clean Air Allies as a supporting organization and features our “Why Care about School Indoor Air?” fact sheet as a resource.
Learn more about the strategic plan
Clean Air Allies’ JuNelle Harris Presents on School IAQ Policy at Asthma Summit
During National Asthma Awareness Month, Clean Air Allies Project Director JuNelle Harris presented on school IAQ policy at the Community Action to Fight Asthma Virtual Summit on May 6.
Learn more about the asthma summit presentation
New CBA by Dr. Richard Bruns for Clean Air Allies Estimates Average 30x Return on School HVAC Upgrades
A new cost-benefit analysis by economist Dr. Richard Bruns, conducted pro bono for Clean Air Allies, estimates an average 30x return on investment on school HVAC upgrades. Benefits analyzed include improved learning outcomes, lower infection rates, and reduced asthma.
Learn more about the cost-benefit analysis
Winners Announced for the Clean Air Allies 2025–2026 Youth IAQ Video Contest
Clean Air Allies is proud to announce the winners of the It’s Time to Care about School Indoor Air youth video contest, selected by a panel of guest judges.
Learn more and watch the award-winning videos
Clean Air Allies Mentioned in Orange County Register Article on Extreme Temperatures and School HVAC
A new article by Orange County Register investigative reporter Rachel Fobar examines the impact of extreme temperatures on California schools and school HVAC needs. Clean Air Allies is mentioned.
Help Us Safeguard Shared Air
Every child deserves to breathe healthy air at school. Your donation helps us build the awareness, partnerships, and policy change to make that a reality.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made via PayPal or check.