Cleaning for Health

Cleaning for health is a widely accepted cleaning approach that protects public health, without adversely affecting the health of staff, building occupants, or the environment.

Some traditional cleaning products that have been used in schools (and homes) contain ingredients that have been found to be hazardous to human health and the environment.

The testing of 21 common cleaning products used in California schools, found that these products released 457 different chemicals into the air. Six out of the 457 chemicals are known to cause asthma, 11 are known or suspected of causing cancer and others are respiratory (lung/bronchial) irritants and endocrine disruptors (causing changes to hormones).

Teaching staff and custodians have been identified as having high rates of occupational asthma. In addition, children’s developing bodies are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins than are adult bodies, further demonstrating the need for safe, effective, and comprehensive cleaning programs.

Fact Sheet Series – Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Targeted Disinfecting

NEA HIN has created a series of fact sheets that explain the importance of cleaning, sanitizing, and targeted disinfecting in specific school settings. The fact sheet series was created through an educational grant from The Clorox Professional Products Company. Read the press release (pdf).

Classroom – Tips for Teachers and Paraprofessionals 

School Wide – Tips for Custodial and Maintenance Staff

Athletics Department – Tips for Athletic Directors, Physical Educators, and Coaches

Cafeteria and Kitchen – Tips for Food Service Workers

School Bus – Tips for Bus Drivers