The jury is in: Many of the cleaning chemicals found in schools across the country are a health hazard. Half of the 60 million+ students and staff who attend the nation’s schools daily are being exposed to polluted indoor air, caused in part by hazardous chemical fumes and pesticides. This causes real health challenges for our nation’s children. Children’s bodies are smaller and still developing-- that plus the additional time spent in school environments makes them especially susceptible to toxins and pollutants. It’s time to drive change and push for safer, healthier cleaning of educational facilities.
Increasing evidence links exposure to common, traditional cleaning products with asthma. A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an American non-profit environmental research organization, found that-
Simply being aware of the problem is the first step. Next, implementing a green cleaning program that reduces toxic fumes and improves indoor air quality is key. This doesn’t have to be expensive! Case studies? show that attendance rates increase and product and labor costs decrease with a properly implemented green cleaning program.
There are even small changes we can make to provide a safer, less toxic environment for students. Every action towards reducing children’s exposure to toxicity counts, no matter how small it may seem. Swapping traditional chemicals for green certified cleaners, being smart with disinfectants, reducing air freshener use or adopting an integrated pest management program can all help improve school environments one step at a time.
Many day cares, pre-schools, K-12s, universities and colleges have already taken steps to lead the charge in Green Cleaning Programs. However, despite the excellent and continued efforts of organizations like the Healthy Schools Campaign, Green Seal, EcoLogo, and the EPA, there is still much ground to be gained.
For employees of education facilities, a great place to start is the Healthy Schools Campaign, Green Clean Schools, 5 Steps to Green Cleaning.
For those selling cleaning chemicals, sell safer, healthier options and take accountability for the chemicals recommended to customers.
For manufacturers, make products that are safer and healthier by eliminating the ingredients known to harm people and the environment. It’s time to drive change in creating safer, healthier schools for children and staff alike.
- Implementing School Green Cleaning Programs: https://www.greenbiz.com/research/report/2006/01/19/implementing-school-green-cleaning-programs
- The Real Costs of Institutional “Green” Cleaning http://www.greenbusinessca.org/media/article_uploads/the_real_costs_of_green_cleaning_v6.pdf