Using Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies at School
School environments are healthier when they are kept clean and well maintained. Unsanitary conditions attract insects and vermin, and irritants and allergens found in dust and dirt can have a negative impact on student health and performance in schools.
Children can be more sensitive to chemicals and cleaning supplies then adults, so it’s important to use these products carefully, and never allow children to use or touch cleaning chemicals, including disinfectant wipes.
These resources are created for facilities managers, custodians, principals, school and district administrators, teachers, and school nurses.
Toolkit for Safe Chemical Management in K-12 Schools
EPA's Toolkit for Safe Chemical Management in K-12 Schools helps schools start chemical management programs that will improve their chemical management practices by:
- Removing inappropriate, outdated, unknown and unnecessary chemicals.
- Preventing future chemical mismanagement issues through training, curriculum and policy change, and long-term management solutions.
- Raising awareness of chemical issues in schools and promoting sustainable solutions.
Practicing Effective Cleaning & Maintenance
Practicing Effective Cleaning and Maintenance is a component of the Model Program for the State School Environmental Health Guidelines.
Green Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting
Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: A Toolkit for Early Care and Education (en español) presents practical information on how to keep early care and education (ECE) environments clean and safe using practices and products that are less hazardous and that protect young children and staff from infectious diseases.
Registered EPA Disinfectants for Use Against Infectious Diseases
Use the List N Tool to find registered EPA disinfectants for use against infectious diseases. Use EPA registered disinfectants according to label instructions. Disinfectants can be used on high touch surfaces when you know or suspect someone around is sick. Be sure to follow best practices for cleaning and disinfecting.
Safer Choice
Safer Choice helps purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Safer Choice includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products. Learn more about Safer Choice.
Search for products that meet the Safer Choice standard (en español).
Integrated Pest Management
By using integrated pest management instead of solely relying on extensive pesticide applications, schools can reduce pest populations and reduce the use of pesticides, making schools safer for children and school personnel. Learn more about integrated pest management principles.
Pests in Schools & Their Control
Pests - such as insects, rodents, fungi, and weeds - can affect the school environment and the children and people who work and learn there, causing both health and structural damage. Start learning how to control these pests. Find resources on pesticide issues for schools and childcare.