Half of all students, teachers and school staff are exposed to polluted indoor air!

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) ushered in a new era of clean and green schools when they announced the Green Cleaning Schools Act today.  The legislation - HB 895 - will require all elementary and secondary schools in Illinois to purchase environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies that do not expose students and teachers to harmful chemicals. 

"Many of the chemicals found in everyday cleaning supplies are released as toxins and fumes into the air we breathe," Quinn said.  "It's time to swap chemical-based cleaning supplies with natural, non-toxic products that are widely available and cost comparable." 

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that half of all students, teachers, and school staff are exposed to polluted indoor air that may be five to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.  The chemicals found in everyday cleaning supplies cause much of this pollution. 

An estimated six billion pounds of chemicals are used in cleaning supplies each year.

"Due to their smaller size and developing immune systems, children are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals than adults," said Rep. May, chair of the House Environmental Health Committee and General Assembly Environmental Caucus.  "Years ago, we had the wisdom to ban lead-based paints because of its potential to impair a child's mental abilities.  Given the fact that children spend hours every day in a classroom and that effective, non-toxic cleaning supplies are readily available, House Bill 895 is the next logical step toward making sure that our children grow up in a healthy environment."

In addition to creating a healthier school environment, natural products may also improve school attendance.  The Healthy Schools Campaign estimates that students miss more than 14 million school days each year due to asthma that is exacerbated by poor indoor air quality.

Lockport Township High School, in Lockport, Ill., reported a 3 percent increase in the average daily attendance after implementing an Indoor Air Quality Management plan that included green cleaning.

When Danny Cassasanto, chief engineer at Jones College Prep, heard about green cleaning, he gave a plant-derived, multi-use product a shot.  Finding it just as effective and affordable, he ultimately replaced a number of chemical-based products with the one multi-use cleaner.  Thanks to Cassasanto's efforts, students, teachers and staff at Jones College Prep are breathing cleaner, greener air - and the school is saving money.  

            Quinn and Rep. May were joined by Phyllis Pelt, director of nurse certification at University of Illinois at Chicago and board member of the Healthy Schools Campaign.  The mission of the Healthy Schools Campaign is to advocate for policies that allow students and staff members to learn and work in a healthy school environment. 

            Students from the Jones College Prep Eco-City Club were also on hand to talk green policies with Lt. Governor Quinn and Rep May.

The Green Cleaning Schools Act will be administered by the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council.  Lt. Governor Quinn is chairman of the council, which is charged with developing green polices that reduce pollution, incorporate conservation, and promote green policies into government operations.        

For more information, please visit www.GreenSolutions.il.gov.