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