Green Child Magazine Back-to-School 2012 | Page 35
5 Ways
To Clean Up The Air
At Your Child’s School
1. Investigate – Begin checking out what kinds of cleaners are used in your child’s classroom. If they are conventional industrial cleaners, they likely contain harmful chemicals
that could be damaging to your child’s lungs, especially if they are already sensitive. Often, schools use these because they don’t know they are harmful. Their plan is to kill nasty
viruses that pop up in schools.
2. Exchange Cleaners – If your child’s school is using toxic cleaners, check in with their
teacher. If possible, bring in a few non-toxic cleaners such as those made by Seventh Generation. Offer to replace what the teacher is using in the classroom with a cleaner, safer
option. Need some resource material about why conventional cleaners are harmful? Please
visit this report by the Environmental Working Group. This report outlines how conventional cleaners are linked to cancer and asthma. EWG also provides ways to can engage
with schools to convert to greener, safer cleaning products.
3. Go Bigger – On your next meeting with the school nurse, share your concerns about
toxic products being used in the school, such as cleaners, strong dry erase markers and
white board cleaners. Offer to replace these or help the nurse develop a policy or proposal
about cleaning the school’s air. If your nurse isn’t receptive, you can meet with the principal to share your concerns and develop a plan. Need resources? Check out this guide,
plan, and steps for schools.
4. No Idling - Make sure there is a no idling policy at your school. Why? Idling cars produce damaging and avoidable air pollution. The fumes from cars idling can aggravate
asthma, cause coughing or difficult breathing, decrease lung function, exacerbate cardiovascular problems and lead to chronic bronchitis.
5. Is big industry nearby? – Ask if the school has had the air quality surrounding the
school tested. Research what measures are being taken to reduce air pollution at the plant
or industrial site. Visit Childproofing Our Communities for resources and to help organize people in your community. Join the Moms Clean Air Force to fight for clean air in the
legislative arena, and share your story.
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