457 Different Chemicals Released into Air by School Cleaning Supplies

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457 Different Chemicals Released into Air by School Cleaning Supplies

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A new study by Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that the typical variety of cleaning products used in schools released 457 different chemicals into the air. The environmental health watchdog says that these common cleaning supplies can expose our children to chemicals which have been linked to health problems such as cancer and asthma.

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Cleaning Supplies

According to EWG, the labeling requirements for common cleaners are too lax, and therefor schools don’t even know what’s in the products they are purchasing. For example, Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleanser releases more than 100 air contaminants when used as directed, including chloroform, benzene, and formaldehyde. Not exactly reassuring for parents who are concerned with keeping their kids from being exposed to these types of toxic chemicals.

EWG tested over 20 cleaners used in schools in California, finding hundreds of air contaminants not listed as ingredients by the manufacturers, and found that cleaning a classroom with three widely used, certified green products produces far less air pollution than cleaning the same classroom with three common conventional cleaners. Read the school cleaners test results at EWG.

Children’s exposure to toxins in cleaning chemicals can happen in several ways. Chemicals can contaminate the air and expose children through inhalation, chemicals can remain on surfaces in dust and be absorbed through the skin (or ingested after touching them). Because cleaning activities usually occur in the afternoon after school is over, the exposure is reduced, but students participating in after-school activities (think band practice, sports, or theater) can be exposed to higher levels of air pollution from cleaning supplies.

If we’re depending on the federal government to safeguard our children, it isn’t going to happen. The government does not currently require health and safety testing of cleaning products or ingredients, and does not require that cleaning products list their ingredients.

Some schools have made the choice to purchase safer cleaning supplies (cleaners that have been independently certified to meet protective health and safety standards), and eight states have passed laws encouraging or requiring green cleaning products in schools.

Parents and teachers can help the move toward healthier cleaning supplies at schools by asking questions and talking to school administrators about green cleaning supplies.

Posted on Nov 12, 2009

Tags:

cleaning supplies, Environmental Working Group, health risks, schools

About the Author

Derek Markham

Derek Markham is a father, writer, and social media butterfly based in New Mexico, with a passion for all things sustainable. For the last ten years, he's worked in the natural foods industry, most recently running a small co-operative grocery store. In his personal time, he loves to ride his bike (an 80s Trek singlespeed), go bouldering and slacklining, and he can usually be found in the middle of about ten different books. You can also find him on other sites including Twitter and Natural Papa.

6 Responses to “457 Different Chemicals Released into Air by School Cleaning Supplies”

Michelle

Nov 12, 2009

This is sad but true!
I feel we all need to come and work on getting more natural products in our school,work place and home !
This will help prevent a lot of health problems.
Grumpy Bob

Nov 13, 2009

Pfft. A little lead and mercury never hurt my generation.
USA is full of pansies now.
Korean War Vet.
Alicia

Nov 25, 2009

There are tons of articles on the net about indoor air quality in homes and how to preserve it using green cleaning products. How sad, that we as a nation have left our children behind and have not considered the health factors involved in using toxic chemicals in their learning environment.