Visit the IAQ and Student Performance Website to learn how a healthy and clean indoor environment is an essential factor in the well-being and productivity of students and staff. Recent research suggests that a school’s physical environment also can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs; problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, known as HVAC systems; insufficient cleaning or excessive use of cleaning chemicals; and other maintenance issues can trigger a host of health problems — including asthma and allergies — that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Improvements in school environmental quality can enhance academic performance, as well as teacher and staff productivity and retention.