Indoor Chemical Exposures in Secondary Schools post-COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cohort Study of New Work-Based Learning Teachers

ABSTRACT

We obtained cross-sectional repeated measures self-report survey data on workplace safety and health and wellness from newer, early-to-mid-career New Jersey (NJ) secondary or high school (HS) teachers supervising work-based learning on- and off-campus in specific career clusters within career-technical-vocational education. This cohort study in the 2021-2024 school years (SYs) is a unique opportunity. It immediately proceeded the 2019-2021 SYs. Due to COVID-19, most 2020 2nd semester (3/18-6/30/2020) and 2020-2021 SY in-person classes went online;extracurricular activities were cancelled or substantially altered for online/virtual substitutes;and, no-to-little in-person HS teaching and off- or on-campus activities. Upon return 8-9/2021, classrooms, labs, shops, etc. were cleaned. Data suggested risks of human exposure to chemical agents from cleaning, disinfecting and sanitation consumer products use, given concerns about viral (and bacterial) loads collecting and potentially remaining on frequently contacted surfaces. We present study design, recruitment data, and selected survey content responses from ongoing research 2021-2024. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.