Resources
Fact sheets, summaries, and other resources for anyone working to understand, advocate for, or take action on healthy indoor air in PK–12 schools.
Fact Sheets
Why Care about School Indoor Air?
A concise introduction to indoor air quality (IAQ), why it matters in schools, and what they can do to improve it — covering everyday ventilation, filtration, and temperature control, as well as resilience against extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and infectious diseases. Includes a list of resources from the EPA, CDC, and more.
Lead Author: JuNelle Harris
Released: August 2025
CO vs. CO2
Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are both colorless, odorless gases relevant to indoor air quality. Though commonly confused, they present very different concerns and require very different responses. This fact sheet clarifies these differences and explains why they matter for keeping schools safe and healthy.
Lead Author: JuNelle Harris
Released: November 2025
Resource Summaries
The CDC’s Guidance for Preventing Infections in K-12 Schools
In 2024, the CDC issued guidance for preventing the spread of infections in K–12 schools — including everyday steps to take for cleaner air. This resource summary synthesizes that guidance to help school leaders, staff, families, and community partners understand what the CDC recommends and why it matters.
Lead Authors: JuNelle Harris and Liesl McConchie
Released: December 2025
Other Resources
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of CalSHAPE School HVAC Upgrades
A pro bono analysis by economist Richard Bruns, commissioned by Clean Air Allies, estimates an average 30x return on investment for CalSHAPE-funded school HVAC upgrades, with benefits including improved learning outcomes, reduced infections, and lower asthma burden.
Author: Richard Bruns
Released: May 2026