A comparison study of environmental health related issues and policies between private and public U.S. schools using multi-level data

Objective

Little is known about school environmental health (EH) problems in private schools. This study identified and compared the school EH related issues and policies between private and public schools in the U.S.

Methods

School EH information was collected from school administrators on two levels – in New York State (NYS) and nationwide. In NYS, questionnaires were developed and distributed to administrators from both public and private schools via conferences (2015–2016). Nationwide survey data were obtained from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study. We compared the perceived school environment as well as policies related to identification and training on EH issues between private and public schools both in NYS and nationwide.

Results

In NYS, both private and public schools reported limited use of proactive approaches in identifying EH issues. Compared to public schools, more private school respondents reported poorer perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) (30% vs. 0%), along with less routine training and lower use of policies that help improve air quality in school. Nationwide, fewer private schools implemented indoor air quality management programs (18% vs. 58%) and were able to always meet ventilation standards (44% vs. 64%) than public schools. Staff members in private schools received less required training on a wide range of EH issues than staff members in public schools.

Conclusion

U.S. private schools reported worse perceived indoor air quality than public schools and a lack of awareness and protective policies. Future environmental research and implementation of policies are needed in private schools.