Law puts health first in our schools

On Aug. 14 Illinois became the second state in the nation to adopt a green cleaning policy for its schools, when the governor signed HB0895 into law. This makes our state a leader in providing safer and healthier environments for students, faculty and staff at schools. The use of green cleaning products will reduce exposure to environmental toxins which are increasingly being linked causally with childhood diseases and cancer.

Not only are the children safer through this law but, the pregnant and nursing women who perform custodial duties, administrative duties, and the faculty will now be protected from placental and breast milk contamination.

The benefit for human health and dollar savings by switching to healthier cleaning agents will hopefully set the standard for all public buildings and businesses.

With this immense accomplishment in the interest of human environmental health, I am optimistic that parents will make these changes in their homes as well.

Toxic cleaning solutions such as window cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and all purpose cleaners can be easily replaced with products that are all natural, less expensive and work just as effectively. Simple things like vinegar and baking soda can clean and disinfect without harming one's health.

A job well done to the Illinois House and Senate, and Gov. Blagojevich for putting public health and safety first in passing this law.

Stephanie Felten

Aurora

Making Our Milk Safe

Illinois Chapter