Child care providers can make changes to reduce radon exposure and improve indoor air quality. See below for a sampling of EHCC’s eco-healthy best practices for identifying and mitigating radon and other indoor air quality hazards:
We have tested our facility for radon. If elevated levels of radon are found, we take action to mitigate. We have visited www.epa.gov/radon for resources and have researched state requirements and guidelines to learn more.
We avoid conditions that lead to excess moisture because moisture contributes to the growth of mold and mildew. We maintain adequate ventilation (which can include exhaust fans and open screened windows). We repair water leaks and keep humidity within a desirable range (30-50%).
We do not use scented or unscented candles or air fresheners.
We use fragrance-free, 3rd party certified (Ecologo, EPA’s Safer Choice, OR Green Seal) least-toxic cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products. When sanitizers and disinfectants are required, they are used only for their intended purpose and in strict accordance with all label instructions.
We do not use aerosol sprays of any kind.
We use only no-VOC or low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) household paints and do not paint when children are present.
Fixing buildings to reduce radon exposure may also entail sealing cracks in the foundation, ventilating the area, or depressurizing the soil. Contact your state radon office for more information.
Beyond individual child care provider change, EHCC also engages child care organizations and systems. One example of system change work is the advocacy to embed eco-healthy best practices within state Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS). Voluntary QRIS programs feature child care providers going above and beyond child care licensing-based standards. For example, Maryland and Utah acknowledge the EHCC program within their QRIS, and providers can improve their scores after adopting eco-healthy practices and earning their EHCC endorsement.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable children and child care workers are to health and safety issues. Going forward, we need to ensure environmental health best practices and policies are in place at the local and state level, so the early care and learning field is better prepared for the next crisis.
Eco-healthy Child Care® facilities improve children’s health and learning outcomes and create safer workplaces for staff.
Join Us! Sign-up to receive EHCC’s free monthly Eco-Hot Tips and become involved in the movement to develop healthier child care facilities for ALL children.
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Very few states or cities have child care licensing regulations focused on radon or reducing exposures to other environmental health hazards in general. As a result, many child care providers are also not trained on identifying and mitigating harmful exposures. To help fill this gap--the Children’s Environmental Health Network developed the Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) program. The program offers guidance on operating a child care facility using low-cost, safer, and environmentally friendly practices and products.
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