As we gear up for the new school year, let's remember that kids often bring a bundle of germs with them.
Keeping both the classroom and ourselves healthy is crucial. However, it's equally important to avoid harmful chemical exposure in the classroom. Here are some tips for a non-toxic, back-to-school routine for teachers and students.
Why Choose Low Tox for Back-to-School Season
Children and teachers alike spend long hours in the classroom. It’s important to make sure the classroom is a healthy and safe learning environment.
Children are especially impacted by harmful chemicals, and chemicals like endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can affect childhood development. Exposure to EDCs can lead to delays in brain development and increase the chances of childhood obesity [1].
Kids touch their mouths more frequently than adults, making it easier for harmful chemicals to enter their bodies.
Additionally, their bodies are undergoing rapid changes, which makes them more vulnerable to environmental exposures [2].
Due to their smaller size, children naturally consume more food, water, and air relative to their body weight compared to adults. This means they are at greater risk of exposure to harmful substances, as even small amounts can have a significant impact on their developing bodies.
These factors make it especially important for teachers to ensure their classroom is free from harmful chemicals like EDCs by choosing safer products.
Cleaners for the Classroom
A clean classroom is a healthy classroom. That is, unless you’re using cleaners that contain EDCs. Let’s take a closer look at low-tox cleaning products for a tidy classroom.
All-Purpose Cleaners
Perhaps nothing is more versatile in your cleaning arsenal than all-purpose cleaners. However, all-purpose cleaners can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and triclosan.
These chemicals can linger on frequently touched surfaces like desks and computers. Opt for a safe, effective cleaner that can be used regularly helps protect everyone in the classroom, yourself included!
Here are some safer brands for multipurpose cleaners:
- Koala Eco- Natural Multipurpose Cleaner
- Branch Basics Multipurpose Cleaner Concentrate
- Aspen Clean All-Purpose Cleaner
Disinfectants
Disinfectants ensure surfaces are free of harmful germs and viruses. In classrooms, it's especially important to disinfect surfaces to prevent illness caused by these germs and viruses.
True disinfectant products are identified by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number [3]. Opting for EPA-registered, non-toxic disinfectants or those that are green-certified can help reduce chemical exposure.
Additionally, there are many natural disinfectants you can find in your own home that are just as effective. These include:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
Vinegar also works great to kill germs; however, it does not kill certain viruses so it is not considered a true disinfectant on its own.
Hand Soaps
The most effective way to stop the spread of disease around the classroom is to wash your hands frequently. We all use hand soap numerous times a day.
That is why it is so important to choose hand soaps that are fragrance-free and paraben-free but still provide moisturizing ingredients to prevent skin dryness.
Make sure to avoid “antimicrobial” hand soaps, however. These can contain harmful chemicals, and aren’t any more effective than just plain soap and water.
Some safer brands include:
Surface Disinfectants
Sometimes in classrooms, you need a quick, readily available option to clean up after a sneeze, cough, or frequently touched item. Disinfectant wipes can be a quick and easy solution for this. Look for Aunt Fannies Cleaning Vinegar Wipes or other brands made without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
Hand sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are another quick fix when avoiding germs on the go. Hand sanitizers may contain harmful chemicals, such as methanol, parabens, and fragrance (which may contain phthalates).
To read more about the safe use of hand sanitizers and what to look for and avoid, you can read the article “Which Hand Sanitizers Are Safe?”.
It's important to remember the only main ingredients you need in sanitizer are ethanol/alcohol, vegetable glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
Throw Rugs with Low VOCs
Gather around for storytime without inhaling harmful chemicals. Volatile organic compounds, or "VOCs," are chemicals used in a variety of industrial and household products such as paint, furniture, and building materials.
They are primarily found indoors, where these products are used. VOCs are known to offgas, which is when chemicals are released into the environment. They can be emitted through gas or dust [4].
Indoor spaces with poor ventilation, such as classrooms, are especially vulnerable to chemicals like VOCs. Therefore, it is important to avoid materials that contain VOCs whenever possible.
When purchasing throw rugs for a classroom, avoid synthetic materials that can emit VOCs and instead aim for natural fibers, such as:
- Wool
- Cotton
- Jute
- Sisal
- Hemp
- Bamboo
This will help reduce indoor air pollution and enhance the classroom aesthetic with eco-friendly materials.
Non-toxic rug brands to try are:
Air Purifiers
Some exposures are unavoidable. While we try to limit them, the fact is being in a classroom all day can make it hard to avoid dust and airborne pathogens.
Chalk dust, cleaner chemicals from custodial work, and germs are inevitable, but improving air quality in the classroom can help keep these things out of the air as much as possible. When possible, always open windows and allow fresh air in. When this isn’t an option, turn on air purifiers to keep the air clean and circulating.
Things to Consider when Choosing an Air Purifier:
- Choosing the right type of filter:
- HEPA filters can help eliminate things like dust, mold, pollen, and pathogens.
- Carbon filters can help reduce harmful gasses, VOCs, and odors.
- Noise levels that are suitable for classroom settings.
- Coverage area and filter replacement indicators.
Million Marker has created a list of Approved Air Purifiers to save you the trouble of finding one on your own!
Another way to improve air quality in the classroom is by adding indoor plants. Many plants help purify the air and can also provide a fun and educational experience for students.
Lunch Items
Whether you are packing a lunch to head to school or teaching a classroom, remember that the containers you carry food in can also have EDCs. Avoid containers made of plastic, and opt for glass or steel instead. Pack your lunch in reusable products like platinum silicone sandwich bags.
Using reusable, non-toxic lunch items:
- Protects the environment by limiting single use plastic and reducing waste.
- Prevents harmful chemicals like EDCs from leaching into your food.
- Saves you money from having to repurchase single-use items every week.
Shop Million Marker Approved Food Storage to eat healthy, low-tox lunches all school year long!
Reusable Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is so important, and carrying a water bottle is essential when you are away from home. Make sure you are carrying one that does not cause unwanted chemical exposures.
Avoid plastic water bottles and bottled water. Plastic bottles can leach chemicals like EDCs into your drinking water, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures [5].
Instead, opt for reusable water bottles made of stainless steel or glass with protective sleeves.
Using reusable, non-toxic water bottles comes with numerous benefits, such as:
- Protecting the environment by limiting single use plastic and reducing waste.
- Preventing harmful chemicals like EDCs from leaching into your food.
- Saving you money from having to repurchase single-use items.
- Helping you stay hydrated, which is the key to many health benefits!
Need help finding a reusable water bottle? Million Marker has done the work for you. Check out the Approved Water Bottles selected on Amazon.
Non-Toxic Toys
If you're picking out toys for a younger classroom, be mindful of the material and aim for non-toxic toys. Be especially careful when purchasing products like paint or chalk (which can contain lead or asbestos), jewelry beads, and plastic play foods, which can all contain harmful chemicals. Wooden building blocks or instruments can be great substitutes for plastic toys.
Some brands that make safer toy options are:
Shop Million Marker Approved Products for Classroom Supplies
Whether you need lotion for dry hands, a reusable water bottle, an air purifier, or more, Million Marker has your back! We’ve found the best products, so you don’t have to spend time searching.
Check out the Million Marker Amazon Shop Here
Educate the School
Extend your efforts beyond the classroom to make your entire school non-toxic. Start by asking questions such as:
- Where does the school purchase its products?
- What cleaning products are used in the cafeteria or by janitorial staff?
- How often does the HVAC system undergo maintenance?
Engage with school leadership about the importance of non-toxic products and provide resources and toolkits for safer cleaning practices. Consistency is key, so ensure regular maintenance with routine checks for product certifications and ingredient lists. Foster a culture of health and safety among students and staff.
Although schooldays can be long and tiring, increasing education and practice will help make safer products and cleaner classrooms the standard.
Lower Your Harmful Chemical Burdens
As a teacher, you know that knowledge is power. Empower yourself to make healthier decisions by testing your body for EDCs.
Get personalized feedback as to what is causing your highest toxic chemical exposures. Discover tips and uncover new products that could enhance your wellness regimen.
Lead by example by sharing your new findings with the classroom, whether it be talking about EDCs or introducing some of the tips you received from personalized feedback. Learn what’s inside with Million Marker’s Detect & Detox Test Kit.
Protect Your Health During Back to School Season
Ensuring a healthy and safe school environment is crucial as we head back into the school year. Non-toxic products play a significant role in safeguarding students' well-being, reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals, and fostering a more conducive learning environment.
As teachers, it's essential to prioritize these health considerations by selecting and implementing non-toxic materials and maintaining a clean, safe classroom.
By taking these steps, teachers can create a healthier environment that supports both students' physical health and academic success. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive school experience for everyone.
Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5322271/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3572204/
[3] https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants
[4] https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
[5] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-021-01524-z