Chalk dust consists of tiny particles that are easily breathed in and scattered across the classroom. This dust can and does accumulate in the human respiratory system, which means it can create long-term health problems due to overexposure¹. Switching to an IdeaPaint surface helps schools protect their students and teachers with allergies and asthma, and keeps dust from damaging electronics.

According to Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics in 2006, over 13 million schools days per year are missed on account of asthma; The American Lung Association reports that one in ten school-aged children have or will develop asthma. While treatment and awareness for the affliction continues to improve, certain causes of asthma can be removed. The American Academy of Allergy & Immunology (AAAI) asserts that chalk dust from chalkboards is an irritant and asthma trigger and recommends that children with asthma stay away as much as possible and wash their hands frequently. Chalkboard dust is cited as the main classroom source of harmful particulate matter, which is defined as any substance capable of staying suspended in air and entering the respiratory system.

Given long-term exposure to particulate matter, teachers and students are more likely to develop heart and respiratory diseases. A study featured in Inhalation Toxicology in December 2009 revealed chalk dust as the dominant variety of particulate matter found within a classroom environment. Furthermore, the research showed that the amount of dangerous substance rose given physical movement within the classroom. As such, a classroom that encourages active learning and collaboration literally poses a higher health risk.

In addition to the negative impact of chalk dust on students and teachers, the material also proves to be harmful to technologies and electronics that can function as valuable learning tools. Computers and DVD players are likely to attract chalk dust into their cooling fans, and accumulation of particles on a device’s motherboard may increase chances of overheating and decrease lifespan. Because of this, schools need to replace equipment frequently, and those schools without the resources may need to do without helpful technologies.

IdeaPaint is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible opportunity for schools to leave chalk in the dust. To learn more visit the school section of our website, or email for more information.

YOU NEED MORE REASONS?

Air Quality

IdeaPaint’s dry-erase product families, including PRO and CREATE™, have been issued GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality and GREENGUARD – Children & Schools℠ Certifications.

These certification achievements verify that IdeaPaint meets the most rigorous chemical emission standards in the world, while classifying IdeaPaint’s dry-erase paints as low-emission products to contribute to the creation of healthier interiors.

• Exceeds the most stringent LEED rating system and California’s Section 01350 Standards
• Contributes to the fulfillment of EQ Credit 4.2 requirements in all LEED rating systems.
• Have been screened for more than 10,000 chemicals. 

Minimizing Waste

Millions of worn-out and unwanted chalkboards and whiteboards are dumped in landfills each year. IdeaPaint utilizes the existing surface so there is nothing to dispose of, ever.

Conserving Energy

Traditional dry-erase boards require baking and curing procedures that consume large amounts of energy. IdeaPaint is simply stirred. And because our product is much lighter and smaller, it requires less material and fuel to ship.