This report is a follow-up to the first publication of the Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign, titled "Poisoned Schools: Invisible Threats, Visible Actions." The previous report looked at the problems of public schools built on contaminated land years ago, the trend of proposing new schools on contaminated land, and the threat of…

This manual was designed to assist Minnesota's schools in minimizing the consumption of lead in drinking water by students and staff. It offers step-by-step instructions for testing and reducing lead in drinking water. The manual answers: Why is lead a health concern? How are children exposed to lead? Why is lead a special concern for schools? How…

Discusses the importance of laboratory safety in science classrooms. Urges middle school teachers to address class size in an effort to establish and maintain a safe working environment. Answers a teacher's question related to having newts and salamanders in the classroom. (SOE)

Early childhood center directors need to be aware of young children's susceptibilities to environmental hazards and do what they can to eliminate or mitigate environmental and safety problems in and around centers. Directors should use common sense, know composition of products used in the center, watch for and eliminate hazards regularly, and ask…

A sick school building has indoor air problems that pose health risks for everyone inside. The paper discusses what makes a school sick and what interested parties can do about it by targeting the problem together, making classroom changes, and making schoolwide changes. Resources for further information are included. (SM)

Guidelines for controlling indoor air quality problems associated with kilns, copiers, and welding in schools are provided in this document. Individual sections on kilns, duplicating equipment, and welding operations contain information on the following: sources of contaminants; health effects; methods of control; ventilation strategies; and…

Developed to increase student and teacher awareness of safe laboratory conditions, this guide provides information and suggestions for maintaining a safe laboratory environment. Section 1 contains a listing of potentially hazardous chemicals commonly used in secondary school science classes and section 2 lists potentially hazardous chemicals…

The Senate's Environmental and Public Works Committee conducted a hearing in October 2002 to assess green school initiatives: environmental standards for schools, school siting in relation to toxic waste sites, and "green" building codes. The committee reviewed activities undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office…

Responding to the need for users of schools to use their buildings in a way that creates a better internal environment for children and reduces harm to the environment, this document lists the environmental issues that need to be addressed and the corrective recommendations that designers and administrators can apply. Environmental issues cover…

This report presents detailed results from a survey and critical review of existing published literature and reports on indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation, and IAQ- and building-related health problems in schools, particularly California schools. The findings: (1) identify the most commonly reported building-related health symtoms involving…

Findings from a survey of 20 liberal arts colleges which did not have graduate programs in chemistry are presented. Discussed are regulations, actions taken and costs of academic laboratories regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. (CW)

Describes a science presentation which promotes various ways to improve laboratory safety. Recommendations for storing chemicals include: minimize the type and amount of stocked materials, purchase certain chemicals in small quantities, and use plastic embedments. Cites several books for reference. (RT)

The preparation of a report, slide show, and brochure to promote awareness of the hazards of toxic pest control for school pest management personnel in the San Diego Unified School District is discussed. The future plans of the coalition are proposed. (CW)

A 2-year involvement to change the pesticide policy of the Oak Park, Illinois, schools is described. The new policy is discussed. (CW)

Discusses the following issues: (1) implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act; (2) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act regulations; (3) new lead guidelines; (4) requirements regarding underground storage tanks; (5) potential indoor air quality requirements; and (6) Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. (MLF)