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Professional Learning

Indecent Exposure: Pesticides, Detergents, and Poor Ventilation Can be Harmful to Schoolchildren

Twenty-two likely carcinogenic pesticides are used in most schools.

October 3, 2007

Typical schools use twenty-two pesticides classified as possible or probable carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a report issued by the Green Schools Initiative. The report notes that schoolchildren are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals through the application of pesticides and powerful cleaning agents, poor building design and maintenance, lead-paint contamination, and poor ventilation.

Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Public Health Advocacy Institute

How can educators, students, schools, and communities go green? Find additional resources about sustainability, conservation, and other earth-friendly practices and curricula on Edutopia's Environment Education page.

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