Making decisions in troubled times
May 2021
Considerations for Safely Reopening American Schools
The following documents support making decisions about reopening schools and procedures to facilitate safe and successful reopening. We are providing COVID-19 perspectives, information, and guarded advice based on our present understanding of immunology, public health, and 40+ years of providing practical health and safety advice to schools.
Support services for schools monitoring and validating COVID-19 safety precautions
This diagram (click to enlarge) illustrates limitations with simply increasing volume and fresh area ratios of air flow. Enhancing velocity may create “dead zones” or exacerbate toxic spread if diffusion and air distribution is not taken into consideration. Remember, virus contamination is almost never introduced from outside the room. The source of viral exposures are from other room occupants. Enhanced hygiene within the air handling systems (higher grade filters, UV radiation, ionization systems) may support dilution of virus burdens but will not affect emissions.
This diagram illustrates limitations with simply increasing volume and fresh area ratios of air flow. Enhancing velocity may create “dead zones” or exacerbate toxic spread if diffusion and air distribution is not taken into consideration. Remember, virus contamination is almost never introduced from outside the room. The source of viral exposures are from other room occupants. Enhanced hygiene within the air handling systems (higher grade filters, UV radiation, ionization systems) may support dilution of virus burdens but will not affect emissions.
Video descriptions of air exchange, school classroom exposure prevention, and monitoring and validating relative classroom safety.
We wish to thank The Wall Street Journal for allowing us to use portions of their COVID-19 video material.
The importance of ventilation in buildings
Air exchange and classroom safety
Assuring and validating classroom safety
COVID-19 and School Air Quality
The Immune System and Schools Addressing COVID-19
Public and Private Recovery of COVID-19 Financial Losses and for Supporting New Safety Requirements
Crisis Communications and School Administration – COVID-19
Learning From Other Nations – COVID-19/School Reopening
Posters for download - Schools and COVID-19
Public health COVID-19/school posters which have been developed by the Environmental Resource Council, free to download and utilize.
Talking Walls poster series
Our Talking Walls posters focus on a variety of public health topics. Free to download and print.
Current Issues
Renaissance of the American School Building
A history of failures and successes in efforts to provide healthy physical school environments.
We published the first version of the Renaissance of the American School Building over a decade ago, then updated it just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the obvious focus on reforming unhealthy school environments.
Pesticides and Best Practices for Property Management
A 16-minute video program narrated by Bruce Bomier and supportive written material for those working with pesticides, especially around children.
School Districts and Solutions to Water Challenges
Educating students wisely about water in the 21st Century is vital and should include modeling quality water ecology for school property.
Read more...
Reopening Hair Salons
Haircare facilities which focus on protecting haircare professionals will contribute to a safer community.
Learn more...
Books by Bruce Bomier – Available on Amazon
Governing the Internet
Like the printing press and other historic changes in how we communicate, we face both wonderful advantages and threatening consequences with the internet and cyberspace. See on Amazon...
FICTION
The Valley of the Purple Mist
Deep in a Central American jungle lies a strange valley, feared for centuries by the native Mayans. The unearthly valley holds a profound and ancient secret. See on Amazon...
