CitiesGoGreen - January 2009 - (Page 18) Greening Cleaning in Schools Some states are setting standards for cleaning products in schools. Any workplace could benefit from following their recommendations. ye irritation, coughing, chest pain, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea are all symptoms of short-term exposure to hazardous cleaning products. Kidney and liver failure, birth defects, brain damage and cancer are possible effects of long-term exposure, according to the Harvard University Office for Sustainability. Air pollution indoors can be up to 100 times greater than outdoors, due to cleaners, upholstery and carpeting. There is little evidence directly linking hazardous chemicals to asthma, cancer, MRSA (a potentially fatal antibiotic-resistant staph infection) or other illnesses. However, a variety of case studies strongly suggest that exposure to these cleaners puts individuals at an increased risk of the above illnesses, and more. A recent press release on the Healthy Schools Campaign website draws attention to links between increasing cases of MRSA and typical cleaners used in schools. In it, Claris Olson, environmental health specialist for HSC said, “MRSA outbreaks show how absolutely important it is for schools to clean consistently with health as a priority which, when E coupled with reducing the environmental impact, is essentially the definition of green cleaning.” The transition from old methods to green cleaning can be state mandated, created at the municipal, district or institutional level, or informally encouraged by local community organizations. Illinois and New York State In Illinois the Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) is the driving force behind safer cleaning in schools. In 2002, the campaign held statewide summits on school environments, then in 2003 created a green cleaning task force for all public schools in Chicago. Finally, in August, 2007, the campaign pushed the Green Clean Schools Act through and in May, 2008, the legislation was enacted, making Illinois the second state to require that schools purchase environmentally sensitive cleaning products. The products must be certified by Green Seal, Environmental Choice, or USEPA. There are other certification standards that meet or even exceed the standards of the act and these may also Implementing Green Initiatives? Save Energy Save Money Save Water Use Pratt Valves Our extensive product line means that you will find the exact valve for your project. From custom valves to stock valves and accessories, Pratt has valves that will save energy, save money, and save water. Save energy by using our Ball valves that offer high Cv values and essentially no head loss. Save money by using our line of valves that minimize lifetime labor and material O&M costs. Save water by using our line of Butterfly valves that offer bubble-tight closure. Everything you need to help you stay compliant with your green initiatives. Need more information or technical consultation about a specific project? Call toll-free or go to our website. Henry Pratt Company 401 S. Highland Avenue Aurora, IL 60506-5563 USA 1-877-436-7977 www.henrypratt.com 18 January 2009 http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/greenclean/ http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/greenclean/ http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735 http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/news/press_releases/2007/MRSA.php http://greenseal.org/ http://www.ecologo.org/ http://www.epa.gov/schools http://www.henrypratt.com http://www.henrypratt.com http://www.CitiesGoGreen.com
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