The hazards of teaching are not limited to work-related injuries. Unfortunately, just being present at some schools can cause health problems. This is because some school buildings are actually “sick” themselves. This does not mean that the building has a cold. Instead, it means that for one reason or another, dangerous pathogens are afloat in the air and can cause sickness through inhalation.

Likely Causes

Most of the time, a poor ventilation system is to blame for the problem. If the air conditioning unit in your school building is too small, this can lead to many problems. Buildings that were built to be airtight and don't have opening windows can also have similar ventilation problems.

As dust builds up in ducts throughout the building, pathogens, mold spores, and other illness-causing molecules thrive. When this infectious dust begins circulating through the ventilation system, it becomes airborne and can cause people to become sick. Lack of air filters and other clean-air equipment means these particles collect inside the school.

Common Symptoms

How do you know if you are working in a sick building? There are many symptoms to watch for; if you see yourself or many of your fellow teachers experiencing the following, you should probably take some action.

• Frequent headaches

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Chronic fatigue

• Dizziness

• Problems with pregnancy and miscarriage

• Cough or sore throat

• Skin problems

• Nausea

• Cancer

Feeling better when you spend time away from the school building is another good indicator to watch for. Do the symptoms disappear over long breaks? If so, then they might be related to the building.

Take Action

If you experience any of the above symptoms routinely, and you feel it is related to the building where you work, this should be reported. And you should also notify your administration of any mold growths you notice in the school building.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for new teachers to take action. You may not be on a permanent contract and protected by tenure, and you may not want to make waves. It's also possible that you've heard horror stories about other teachers who reported problems and were subsequently transferred or fired.

However, your health should be your first concern. Record your symptoms over a period of time. If you notice mold growing, make sure that you take pictures of it because they might be important in future proceedings. You can try to speak tactfully with your direct supervisor to see if anything happens. However, sometimes you might just have to go directly to the OSHA and the EPA in order to have them test the air quality. If you do this, others must join in your complaint.

If you can prove that you have been injured by the quality of the air, you are eligible to receive workman's compensation. Your school will also be required to make special accommodations for you under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You may even be given early retirement under certain circumstances. However, realize that it is often difficult to get a doctor to agree that the cause of your illness was definitely the building where you work.