Schools
-
Schools have been cleaned the same way for so long that most of us haven't really given it much thought. Starting a cleaning without chemicals or green cleaning can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be an all or nothing proposition. Most schools that successfully implement a healthier cleaning program begin by addressing the most significant or easily accessible issues. As they experience success, they add new elements to their plan or make adjustments to improve the results of current efforts.
The question and answer listed below were found on the healthy-schools-compaign website. To view more information on green cleaning in schools please click on the attached link: http://healthyschoolscampaign.org/campaign/green_clean_schools/
Question: Early care and education programs in CT are required to regularly disinfect children's toys and classroom surfaces (diaper changing tables, tables, countertops, etc) with a bleach and water spray solution and then allow these to air dry. Might we be generating health problems in very young children (birth to 6 years) as a result of these practices? If so, what product(s) and practices would you recommend to caregivers of very young children to use in group care and/or at home?
-
ANSWER:
By:
Steve Ashkin, president of
The Ashkin Group, is the author of Healthy Schools Campaign's
Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools and a leader in the effort to green the cleaning and maintenance industry
As you know, chlorine bleach has been an enormously effective product for killing harmful organisms for over 50 years. But it will also burn eyes and skin, is a respiratory irritant, is poisonous if accidentally ingested, will produce a poisonous gas if mixed with other commonly used cleaning products, and frankly is not a very good cleaner. And today there are many greener alternatives that will effectively kill or control harmful organisms and at the same time will reduce the potential to harm health and the environment.
Depending on what you are cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting ---- you can use a detergent cleaner, a sanitizer based on hydrogen peroxide, or a disinfectant based on hydrogen peroxide or a quaternary ammonium compound. All of these could be preferable to chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) bleach.
In addition, look for a product that has a pH closer to neutral (7) than one at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Also look for ones that are lower in VOCs and fragrances, which can reduce the potential for respiratory irritation or asthma triggers. And please make sure that your Early Childhood programs are following the directions for dilutions and dwell time to ensure that the product is working properly.
