The EPA issued a press release warning us all "to beware of unscrupulous vendors" who try to sell us ineffective or unnecessary products that claim to protect us against H1N1. According to the press release:
"Unfortunately some vendors may try to take advantage of people’s fears at a time like this and market products that aren’t effective or make unsubstantiated claims,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “Americans need to be aware of what they may be buying."
This is right on. And while it applies to the purchases we make in our homes, it also is an important lesson for our schools -- especially when implementing a green cleaning program.
1. PREVENT INFECTION THROUGH EDUCATION
Students, teachers, coaches, and all school staff must be educated about the importance of hygiene and frequent, thorough hand-washing, and the school nurse can play a key role in developing a hygiene education plan for the school. Recent studies show that through proper hand hygiene, schools can actually decrease student absenteeism. If possible, students and school employees should have access to appropriate hand-washing facilities. If not, hand sanitizers should be made available.
2. DEVELOP AND FOLLOW A THOROUGH GREEN CLEANING PROGRAM
Health is the goal of a proper green cleaning program. Along with environmental benefits, infection control becomes the natural byproduct of an effective cleaning program. Through proper cleaning, the spread of germs can be significantly reduced and controlled, and overall health improved.
3. DISINFECT WHEN AND WHERE NECESSARY
Many of the harsh chemicals in disinfectants are highly caustic, toxic in nature and may decrease the quality of the indoor air. Minimizing potential exposure to these chemicals can promote health and wellbeing while still reducing risk associated with the spread of infectious diseases.
When disinfectants are used, it is important to use them as part of a larger green cleaning program, rather than as a hasty reaction. Disinfectant use should be limited to high-touch areas such as door handles, keyboards, light switches, and tables. When selecting a disinfectant, work with vendors to select the least toxic, most affordable option, and always choose EPA registered products.
Here are some great resources for more information:
1) HSC's Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools
3) Selecting green disinfectants for this flu season from American School & University magazine
If you want to read an account of a school facility director's efforts to clean green while protecting against H1N1, check out this recent blog entry.
Finally, be sure to stay tuned for details about HSC's upcoming webinar, Green Cleaning Your School In the Age of H1N1, scheduled for late January 2010. The webinar will feature experts in the field of green cleaning for infection control. More details coming soon!

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