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

Cover page of Clean Air Allies resource summary of CDC guidance for K-12 schools on infection prevention

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.

Cover page of Clean Air Allies fact sheet contrasting carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

Fact Sheet: CO vs. CO2, Both Relevant to School IAQ, But NOT the Same

Discover how carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), both colorless, odorless, tasteless gases, affect indoor air quality in very different ways.

Cover page of Clean Air Allies fact sheet on why school indoor air quality matters and what to do about it

Fact Sheet: Why Care about School Indoor Air?

Read our concise introduction to indoor air quality, why it at school matters, and things schools can do to improve it. Included is a reference list.

News

EPA marks May as Asthma Awareness Month, featuring a group of smiling children

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


Table showing cost-benefit ratio for CalSHAPE-funded school HVAC upgrades

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


Clean Air Allies 2025-2026 Youth IAQ Video Contest — It's Time to Care about School Indoor Air

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


A thermometer against a bright, blazing sun and orange sky, illustrating extreme heat conditions

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.

Learn more about the article


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.