Letter to the Editor - Patriot-News Harrisburg, PA: Re: Sewer Leak and Sick Kids

April 25, 2008

Dear Patriot-News Editor,

I was very concerned to learn of the “sewer gas” leakage problem at the Ben Franklin School in Harrisburg. For students and faculty to breathe in those toxic fumes for over two months is unconscionable and has directly put the health and safety of the building occupants in jeopardy.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “most people spend 90% of their time indoors. Exposure to indoor air pollutants may be 2-5 times, and sometimes 100 times, higher inside buildings than outside.”

Since this incident at Ben Franklin, parents should be asking their school administrators the following questions:

#1. What was the plan for the safety and health of the 175 students, teachers, and staff during this time and why did it take so long?

#2. What was the plan for reporting this health and safety problem? Obviously, it took two months and students to become sick before action was taken. This is unacceptable!

#3. Were the building occupants empowered to advocate for their own health / safety issues without fear of retribution (reprimand, loss of job, change of assignment, etc.) – or were their efforts to self advocate dismissed as they were breathing in the toxic fumes?

Developing children breathe more air than adults. They are more vulnerable to health issues. Schools have the responsibility to act quickly when faced with indoor air quality problems – not wait two months to evacuate and then investigate!

Pennsylvania Representative Mark Longietti sponsored House Resolution No. 682, which recognizes April 28, 2008 as “National Healthy Schools Day” in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Longietti’s resolution was co-sponsored by 85 members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and passed in the House.

The resolution states that the Commonwealth is “committed to the health of all students” . . . and that “indoor air quality problems in school facilities . . . can affect the development of young children, cause upper respiratory illnesses and contribute to learning disabilities...” The resolution also states, “a goal of “National Healthy Schools Day” is to raise awareness regarding the air quality in our schools and encourage schools to improve air quality by providing better ventilation, maintenance, and cleaning . . . and by using non-toxic cleaning products. . . “ The complete resolution can be seen at: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2007&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=R&billNbr=0682&pn=3517

The Harrisburg School System would do a service to its children and staff to institute the EPA’s “Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program.” This free program is designed to act on problems immediately and specifically like the one that occurred at the Ben Franklin School. “IAQ Tools for Schools” information can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html

As parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens, we expect nothing less than to have our schools protect the health and safety of our children. All schools should be celebrating “National Healthy Schools Day” on April 28 and everyday. Learn more at: http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/ .

Sincerely, Rhonda Paglia
Retired teacher, 26 years
Coordinator, Green Grannies & Friends for Clean Air & Healthy Kids
greengrannies@gmail.com
http://www.greengrannies.x10hosting.com/

Cc: PA Rep. Mark Longietti

Cc: Claire L. Barnett, Executive Director
Healthy Schools Network, Inc.518-462-0632
Coordinator, Coalition for Healthier Schools
202-543-7555
http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.com/

Letter to the Pennsylvania State Education Association about National Healthy Schools Day

Dear PSEA,

Please be informed that “National Healthy Schools Day” is April 28, 2008. National Healthy Schools Day and the National Healthy Schools Network is supported by the National Education Association, the Department of Education, the EPA, the CDC, the American Lung Association, and many other organizations dedicated to the health of children and school building occupants.

Here are several ways our schools can celebrate and begin to take action by making the school building environment safer for children and teachers:

• Switch to non-toxic, “green” cleaning products. “Green” cleaners, which are safer than commercial chemical cleaners, will eliminate poisons and off gasses in the air our children breathe.
• Improve indoor air quality. Clean the duct work and ventilation system on a regular basis - in addition to changing vent filters.
• Institute the EPA’s "Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" program. Schools using this program report a reduction in use of inhalers in schools, fewer trips to the school nurse, better attendance, and increased student performance. This program is free and will help insure good, safe indoor air quality for our school occupants. It can be ordered at: www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html .
• Improve school cleaning standards. How our schools are cleaned - or not cleaned - has a direct impact on the heath and welfare of our children and teachers.
  Stop school bus idling. Diesel exhaust fumes enter through the ventilation system, open doors, and windows and can damage the health of the building occupants.

I would like to thank Pennsylvania Representative Mark Longietti who sponsored House Resolution No. 682, which recognizes April 28, 2008 as “National Healthy Schools Day” in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Longietti’s resolution was co-sponsored by 85 members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and passed in the House. The resolution states that the Commonwealth is “committed to the health of all students” . . . and that “indoor air quality problems in school facilities . . . can affect the development of young children, cause upper respiratory illnesses and contribute to learning disabilities...” The resolution also states, “a goal of “National Healthy Schools Day” is to raise awareness regarding the air quality in our schools and encourage schools to improve air quality by providing better ventilation, maintenance, and cleaning . . . and by using non-toxic cleaning products. . . “

PSEA needs to support the “Green School Initiative” and promote the legislation supporting the development of “Healthy High Performance Schools.” Please encourage our PA schools to celebrate “National Healthy Schools Day” on April 28, which is the first day of “School Building Week.” To learn more, please go to: www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org .

Sincerely,

Rhonda Paglia, retired teacher, 26 years, former member of NEA, PSEA, and Hermitage Education Association
724-342-0793

A message from PA Rep. Mark Longietti's office

Dear Friends, I wrote to Rep. Mark Longietti's office asking the following:

April 13, 2008

Is there any chance that each of the co-sponsors could e-mail this National Healthy Schools Day resolution to the schools in their districts, with a link to www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org for suggestions on how their local school districts can participate on April 28?

The reply just came in:
April 15, 2008

Dear Rhonda,

We forwarded the resolution [#682 - Resolving April 28, 2008 as "National Healthy Schools Day" in Pennsylvania] to all Democratic House Members and asked them to participate.

Brenda Tomko
PA Rep. Mark Longietti office


YEAH!! Pennsylvania is actually participating this year!!! Thanks for all your help and support!

Letter to the Editor - Schools Should Celebrate National Healthy Schools Day

April 15, 2008

Dear Editor,

“National Healthy Schools Day” is April 28, 2008. Here are ways our schools can celebrate and take action:

• Switch to non-toxic, “green” cleaning products. “Green” cleaners, which are safer than commercial chemical cleaners, will eliminate poisons and off gasses in the air our children breathe.
• Improve indoor air quality. Clean the duct work and ventilation system on a regular basis - in addition to changing vent filters.
• Institute the EPA’s "Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" program. Schools using this program report a reduction in use of inhalers in schools, fewer trips to the school nurse, better attendance, and increased student performance. This program is free and will help insure good, safe indoor air quality for our school occupants. It can be ordered at: www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html.
• Improve school cleaning standards. How our schools are cleaned - or not cleaned - has a direct impact on the heath and welfare of our children and teachers.
• Stop school bus idling. Diesel exhaust fumes enter through the ventilation system, open doors, and windows and can damage the health of the building occupants.
  
  I would like to thank Pennsylvania Representative Mark Longietti who sponsored House Resolution No. 682, which recognizes April 28, 2008 as “National Healthy Schools Day” in Pennsylvania.
  
  Rep. Longietti’s resolution was co-sponsored by 85 members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and passed in the House. The resolution states that the Commonwealth is “committed to the health of all students” . . . and that “indoor air quality problems in school facilities . . . can affect the development of young children, cause upper respiratory illnesses and contribute to learning disabilities...” The resolution also states, “a goal of “National Healthy Schools Day” is to raise awareness regarding the air quality in our schools and encourage schools to improve air quality by providing better ventilation, maintenance, and cleaning . . . and by using non-toxic cleaning products. . . “
  
  Encourage your schools to clean up and green up for our children. Let’s celebrate “National Healthy Schools Day” on April 28 and everyday. Learn more at: www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Rhonda Paglia, coordinator

Green Grannies & Friends for Clean Air & Healthy Kids
724-342-0793

PA Resolution for "National Healthy Schools Day" PASSES!!

In the House, April 7, 2008

Whereas "National Healthy Schools Day" observances in communities nationwide highlight the impact of school facilities and the school environment on child health, development,and academic achievement; and

Whereas, A healthy learning environment heightens student attendance and performance; and

Whereas, The Commonwealth is committed to the health of all students in public school districts, charter schools, intermediate units, career and technical education schools, and area vocational-technical schools; and

Whereas, The Department of Education, the Department of Health and other state agencies promote healthy schools policies in cooperation with school officials and community partners; and

Whereas, the Commonwealth has implemented guidelines to prevent or resolve indoor air quality problems in public school facilties, where young children with special needs are especially vulnerable to toxic mold and chemical exposure, which can affect their development, cause upper respiratory illnesses and contribute to learning disabilities; and

Whereas Indoor air quality can also affect attendance, concentration, and performance by both children and teachers, who normally spend 30 - 50 hours each week in school buildings; and

Whereas, A goal of "National Healthy Schools Day" is to raise awareness regarding air quality in our schools and to encourage schools to improve air quality by providing better ventilation, maintenance and cleaning of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and by using nontoxic cleaning products; and

Whereas, "National Healthy Schools Day" is the first day of "School Building Week," April 28 through May 2, 2008; therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes April 28, 2008, as "National Healthy Schools Day" in Pennsylvania.

I certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of House Resolution No. 682 introduced by Representatives Longietti, Beyer, Biancucci, Bishop, Boback, Brennan, Brooks, Caltagirone, Cohen, Conklin, Daley, DeLuca, DePasquale, DiGirolamo, Donatucci, Eachus, Everett, Fleck, Frankel, Freeman, Galloway, Geist, George, Gibbons, Gillespie, Gingrich, Goodman, Grucela, Harhart, Harkins, Helm, Hennessey, Hershey, Hess, M. Keller, Kenney, Killion, Kortz, Kotik, Kula, Mahoney, Major, Mann, Mantz, McCall, McGeehan, McIlhatton, McIlvaine Smith, Melio, Millard, Moyer, Mundy, Murt, Myers, M. O'Brien, O'Neill, Pallone, Parker, Payne, Petrone, Phillips, Ramaley, Readshaw, Reichley, Ross, Rubley, Sainato, Santoni, Saylor, Scavello, Siptroth, K. Smith, Solobay, Sonney, Staback, R. Stevenson, Swanger, True, Vulakovich, Wheatley, J. White, Wojnaroski, Youngblood, D. O'Brien, and adopted by the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Sealed and signed by Dennis M. O'Brien, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

NEW - Our National Healthy Schools Day Event

JOIN US and "Celebrate National Healthy Schools Day"

Date: May 1 - 4, 2008

Place: Shenango Valley Mall, Hermitage, PA 16148

Purpose: To provide information on Indoor Air Quality & Health at the Spring Bazaar Event

Time: Mall Hours: 10 - 9 all 4 days

What you can do:

• Come help us: pass out literature on Indoor Air Quality from the EPA and the American Lung Association. We will be providing information on how IAQ affects the health of building occupants, especially children in schools.
• Learn: about "Going Green" at home & in schools
• Sign our petition: which we will forward to Pennsylvania's Governor Rendell asking for his support in creating strong, effective laws supporting cleaner air and smoke free public places in Pennsylvania.
• Bring the Kids: We will have something special for the children so they can learn about IAQ and how they can help.
• Our Green Friend, Dee, from "More Tranquility" will be giving 5 minute mini-chair massages on Thursday, May 1 from 3 - 6 or 7 PM.
• And more . . .

What else we've done:

Created:

• G-mail: greengrannies@gmail.com
• Blog: http://greengrannies.blogspot.com - Please feel free to comment
• Created a website: http://www.greengrannies.x10hosting.com/ - Thanks Amy!!

Sent:

• National Healthy Schools Day Postcard reminders to all public schools in Mercer, Lawrence, Crawford, Venango, Butler and Erie Counties, many private schools in Mercer, Lawrence, and Crawford counties and all the colleges in the Tri-county area.
• National Healthy Schools Day Postcard reminders were sent to all the Parents, Grandparents & Friends on our Green Grannies & Friends e-mail list.
• Letter to the Editor, Sharon Herald, PA: Letter #1 - [3-6-08] Topic: Health concerns for children and staff during school renovations
• Letter to the Editor, Sharon Herald, PA: Letter #2 - [3-26-08] Topic: Questions parents should ask of administrators and builders prior to school renovations

Thanked:

• Green Grannies and Friends for sending e-mails and letters to our State Representatives asking them to support National Healthy Schools Day, April 28.
• It's not too late: send an e-mail to your state legislator and thank them for supporting National Healthy Schools Day: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm

Meeting / Presentations:

• 2-8-08: Met with State Representative Mark Longietti, Mercer County, PA who is sponsoring a statewide resolution for National Healthy Schools Day.
• 4-3-08: A well received talk & discussion with the Sharon La Leche League on the affects of Indoor Air Quality on children’s health
• 4-4-08: Met with local members to discuss the local National Healthy Schools Event at the Shenango Valley Mall Spring Bazaar Event, May 1 - 4, 2008

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW:

• Send an e-mail to your state representative, click below, find your local representative and say thank you for supporting National Healthy Schools Day, on April 28 and thank them for strengthening legislation to clean up and green up our state: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm
• If you can help us at the mall event - e-mail us: greengrannies@gmail.com
• Check out :Lessons Learned - a national study on how indoor air quality is affecting 32,000,000 children nationwide - http://www.healthyschools.org/documents/Lessons_Learned_Rpt.pdf
• To learn more check out: http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/
• To join our efforts and volunteer to help at: greengrannies@gmail.com