Back to School: 5 Key Issues for Environmental Health and Safety - Healthy Schools Network

5 Key Environmental Health and Safety Issues for Schools

• Extreme Heat: High temperatures negatively impact learning and pose severe health risks to student athletes.
  • Schools should have heat management plans, shaded outdoor areas, and evacuation protocols for dangerous temperatures.
  • New York State law sets a maximum allowable classroom temperature of 88°F.
• Clean Indoor Air & Green Cleaning: Poor air quality affects cognitive function and health.
  • Hazardous cleaning products should be replaced with green cleaning and safer disinfecting alternatives to protect students and staff.
• Drinking Water Safety: Lead exposure is a significant risk, and no level of lead is considered safe.
  • Parents should request copies of lead testing results from their schools.
  • Recommended protections include using filters and bottled water rather than relying solely on lead-free fixtures.
• Renovation & Construction: Ongoing projects can expose occupants to harmful noise, dust, and debris.
  • Parents should request public meetings to review safety protocols and project timelines.
  • Schools are often legally required to mitigate exposure to fumes and construction dust.
• Pests & Pesticides: Pesticides can cause permanent health damage to children.
  • Over 30 states have adopted less-hazardous Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies.
  • Schools should prioritize food management and child-safe pest control practices over chemical applications.
• Additional Resources:
  • The EPA provides guidance on DIY air cleaners for emergency use.
  • The "Healthy Students Learn Better" practice guide offers tools for improving school environmental health.