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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Should smoking be allowed in schools?

Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (or secondhand smoke). Therefore, every effort should be made to keep children's environments smoke free. The Pro Children's Act of 1994 prohibits smoking in any indoor facility receiving federal funds that is owned or leased or contracted for and used to provide kindergarten, elementary or secondary education, or library services to children. Smoking lounges or other separate locations for smoking within the enclosed facility (even if separately ventilated) are also prohibited.

Read more about secondhand smoke at www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/secondhand-smoke-and-smoke-free-homes