Schools to use 'green' cleaning supplies for safety reduce children's exposure to chemicals

Concerns about the harmful health effects chemicals can have, especially on children, and a realization that cleaners with reduced amounts of potentially dangerous ingredients are increasingly available prompted the legislation, which takes effect Sept. 1.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates human exposure to air pollutants indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Some of the culprits are cleaners, waxes and deodorizers. Reducing or eliminating potentially harmful ingredients helps protect the environment and water supply, according to the legislation's sponsors.

Children, especially young ones, are more likely to come into contact with cleaning chemicals, and they are more vulnerable than adults because of their size and age, she said.

A statement on the Office of General Services' Web site said the agency anticipates working with the Design for the Environment program, among others, in updating regulations, but any changes will be based on "solid scientific studies and research."

Potential harmful effects of cleaners, waxes and deodorizers are skin and eye irritation, asthma attacks, and neurological impacts, Wood said. Some parents have taken their children out of school because of exposure to chemicals there, she said.

"If there is a single ingredient in any cleaning product that will cause an asthmatic attack, it would be the fragrance, and there are a lot of children with asthma in our schools," she said.

Schools don't have to throw away cleaners that aren't on the state's list of approved products for cleaning products, vacuum cleaners and sanitary paper products, she said. They can use them up before buying green ones. The new law applies to buildings and grounds at all public and private elementary and secondary schools.

Prices of the environmentally friendly cleaners are comparable to others on the market, said Christine Burling, a spokeswoman for the state Office of General Services.

Maybe they should try NEU ;-)