 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||
Hazardous Materials and Scented ProductsDescriptionAt school, the combination of lots of people and lots of activity generates a greater quantity and variety of pollutants and waste. Therefore schools are a good place to implement plans to reduce or to eliminate the generation of pollutants and wastes that, if mismanaged, can be potentially harmful to human health and the environment. This also includes scented products such as personal care items and cleaning materials. Scented products can often severely affect people who suffer from asthma and other chronic lung diseases. Background Children can be more at risk from poisons and other harmful materials than most adults. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that children’s body defences are not fully developed; their rapidly growing tissues are easily damaged by poisons or lack of oxygen or nutrients; they absorb relatively more materials through their intestines than do adults; their brains and nervous systems are still developing, making these organs vulnerable to the adverse effects of many toxic materials. Also, the fact that a child weighs less than an adult means that a given amount of a harmful substance will produce higher concentrations inside the child’s body if swallowed or inhaled. All of these factors combine to make children susceptible to small amounts of toxic materials that would not harm an adult. In general, the younger the child, the greater the risk (Health Canada). Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause headaches, nausea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, memory loss, eye and throat irritations, and more seriously, damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidney and heart problems and cancer. While highly scented personal care products, such as perfumes and deodorants may not affect everyone, many people are very sensitive to their use. This also includes scented products such as personal care items and cleaning materials. Scented products can often severely affect people who suffer from asthma and other chronic lung diseases. Hazardous Materials Common hazardous products include: pesticides, medicines, propane tanks, car batteries, rug shampoo, upholstery cleaners, furniture polish, pool chemicals, paint stripper, paints and thinners, stains and finishes, bleach, used motor oil, floor wax, gas and metal polishes that may be present in science laboratories and classes, science storerooms, art and shop classrooms, and custodial closets. To identify hazardous products, look for symbols indicating the product is corrosive, toxic, reactive or flammable, or the words – danger, poison, caution and warning. If you are concerned about an unmarked or an unidentified product, contact the New Brunswick Department of the Environment (see Resources & Links). What You Can Do In order for you school to reduce or eliminate the amount of pollutants and wastes it generates, an attitude of “less is better” should be adopted. All students, teachers, administrative staff and custodial staff must ask themselves, “Is there a different way to do this that generates less waste or uses safer materials?” Reducint or eliminating the generation of hazardous wastes creates a healthier atmosphere for school occumants and the surrounding environment. One of the best methods of approaching the use and storage of hazardous materials is to do regular walk-throughs of different areas of the school (classroom, storage area, equipment room, science labs, art classrooms etc.) to identify what materials and products are used in the school. Art room, laboratory, automotive and machine workshop, cooking, photocopy and custodial products and supplies should be clearly labelled, used according to manufacturer’s instructions and stored appropriately, ideally in locked closets ventilated directly to the outdoors and away from the fresh air intakes. In the case of cleaning products, ensure they are diluted and dispensed according to the manufacturer’s directions and are only those recommended by the Department of Education. For identified hazardous materials, there are a number of precautions. First, don’t pour them down the drain, bury them, burn them or put them in the garbage. Secondly, minimize your use of these products: try non-hazardous alternatives; don’t overuse these products; never smoke or drink while using hazardous products; always follow the directions on product labels; and call 911 in case of an emergency. Store hazardous products and their wastes locked away and out of the reach of children. To dispose of hazardous products check with your local solid waste commission, fire department or the New Brunswick Department of Environment (see Resources & Links). If a school already has a pest problem, the best solution is to control pests without using pesticides. Instead, use non-chemical pest control methods such as swatters for insects and mechanical traps for mice, and keep lockers and the building clean and dry so that the school building is unattractive to pests. Instead of using pesticides on school grounds, plant native flora which do not require chemical upkeep or ask a local nursery to work with you to provide native plants on school grounds; and encourage employees or contractors to use integrated pest management methods. If a problem still exists, contact the Facilities Manager to carry out procedure, according to the district policy. Scented Products Many personal care products and materials that we use daily can be strongly scented and affect our health. Scents are most often found in cosmetics such as perfumes, make-up, lotions, shampoos and deodorants, or from household products such as air fresheners, cleaners, waxes, and deodorizers. At schools, many supplies brought in might be non-toxic, but they are often highly scented. For instance, one student using a scented marker or correction fluid will probably not create a problem, but a class of 25 students using the same products can impact the air quality. The concern with scents and fragrances is that they can be made from many different chemicals, both natural and synthetic, which may cause different reactions in some sensitive individuals. Some people report mild irritation, while others report more serious reactions and must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure . What You Can Do Eliminating the use of scented products is an ongoing challenge for schools and many public buildings and workplaces. Because of the turnover of students, parents, and staff members at a school, regular education about the harmful effects of scents is often necessary. Many school districts have adopted “scent-free” or “scent-reduced” policies. Schools should also request that supplies brought in by students are non-toxic and unscented. Resources and Links Citizens for a Safe Learning Environment (CASLE) The Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia’s Less Toxic Guide The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety New Brunswick Department of Environment Video |
 |
 |
|
Home | IAQ
Basics for Schools | Tools for Schools
| Other Environmental Health Initiatives |
© 2001 New Brunswick Lung Association