Slightly more than half reported that their child repeatedly complained about or repeatedly suffered from health problems during or immediately after a day at school. Allergies, runny nose, and coughing were the most often reported health problems.

"The IAQ industry is closely watching issues relating to both absenteeism and 'presenteeism,' which is when people come to work or school while sick," said Dave Matela of Kimberly-Clark Filtration Products. "Presenteeism not only affects productivity in the workforce, it may also affect a child's ability to learn or concentrate while in school, as our survey suggests."

Of the parents who reported that their child had repeatedly complained about or repeatedly suffered from respiratory health issues during or immediately after a day at school, 53 percent noted that their child had missed a day or more of school to recuperate, while 34 percent reported that their child had a difficult time concentrating in class because of the symptoms. Nearly half of these parents said they believe that poor IAQ either caused or contributed to these health and related learning/productivity challenges.

When asked what course of action they would most likely take if they found out or suspected their child's school had a problem with IAQ, 47 percent of the parents indicated they would bring up the issue at a school board meeting or directly to school administrators.

Publication date: 09/25/2006