Facility professionals, transportation directors, school nurses, and food service directors play an integral role in providing and maintaining safe and healthy school buildings and grounds for students, fellow staff members, and teachers alike.
Limited time and budgetary resources are frequent impediments to making positive change. We are here to provide expertise, information, and funding sources to help you be successful.
Lead in Water
Municipalities across the country are being impacted by the presence of lead in pipes. Children exposed to lead are at risk of severely impeded cognitive development and lifelong learning challenges.
Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The EPA estimates that nearly 70,000 classrooms in the United States have dangerous short-term levels of radon gas. It can only be detected through testing.
Asthma
Asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism in U.S. schools. Students with chronic absenteeism due to asthma are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a learning disability.
Mold
Sinus inflammation, nosebleeds, respiratory diseases, and irritation of existing asthma symptoms and allergies can result from mold.
Fragrance-free
Chemicals found in perfumes and personal care products can cause breathing difficulties, neurologic responses (such as dizziness and headaches), skin irritations, and allergic reactions.
Integrated Pest Management
Toxic pesticide exposure can lead to a variety of short and long-term health concerns, including asthma and allergy attacks, neurological impairment, and immune system damage.
Green Cleaning
25 percent of cleaning and maintenance products used in schools are toxic and can lead to poor indoor air quality, cancer, asthma, reproductive disorders and other illnesses and diseases.
School Bus Idling
According to the EPA, diesel fuel exhaust is among the most dangerous forms of emissions. Those routinely exposed to diesel exhaust face higher risks of stroke, cancer, asthma, heart attacks, and other chronic illnesses.
Fact sheets and online resources are available.
Let us help inform your decision-making.
Joining forces with like-minded staff, teachers, and administrators can act as a force multiplier and help effectuate change.
Gateway School District recently tested for radon and implemented green cleaning protocols that not only created a better indoor environment but saved money in the process.
We are providing free water testing kits, free Radon testing kits and can provide partial funding for any remediation. The Highmark Foundation provides funding for school environmental health initiatives.
According to the EPA, diesel fuel exhaust is among the most dangerous form of emissions. Those routinely exposed to diesel exhaust face higher risks of stroke, cancer, asthma, heart attacks, and other chronic illnesses.
Fact sheets, anti-idling signage, and online resources are available.
Joining forces with like-minded staff, teachers, and administrators can act as a force multiplier and help effectuate change.
Wexford’s anti-idling campaign is reducing both diesel-fuel usage and emissions.
Copy to be provided by WHE.
Fact sheets and online resources are available.
Joining forces with like-minded staff, teachers, and administrators can act as a force multiplier and help effectuate change.
Mt. Lebanon High School has instituted a pesticide-free protocol on school grounds.
The Highmark Foundation provides funding for school environmental health initiatives.
Locally sourced produce and healthier cafeteria items, coupled with school gardens, teach students valuable lessons about healthy eating and the sustainability benefits of composting.
Find out more with this webinar and from our friends at Grow Pittsburgh and Edible Schoolyard Pittsburgh.
Joining forces with like-minded staff, teachers, and administrators can act as a force multiplier and help effectuate change.
Kiski Area High School‘s new food and nutrition program uses local food vendors and offers a daily salad bar in its cafeteria.
The Highmark Foundation provides funding for school environmental health initiatives.
There is no shortage of opportunities and challenges facing our schools and school districts. Visit our Resources Page to learn more.
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Scores of schools and school districts across our region are taking positive steps to help their students thrive in healthier environments. From testing for radon to cleaning green, discover how teachers, staff, and parents are working together to bring about positive change.
Use Certified Green Cleaning Products
Research has shown that switching to green cleaning methods and products in schools can improve health and academic performance for students and teachers, not to mention saving schools and districts money.