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The Use of Chemicals in Childcare Centers & Head Start Programs

This will be my first in a series of ongoing discussions about green architecture, recycling and the use of chemicals in childcare and Head Start programs. My own chemical sensitivities have prompted me to think about chemical sensitivities in children. I am very chemically sensitive and have to be careful about the type of chemicals I use on my skin and hair, even down to the types of fabrics I wear. If I am this sensitive to chemicals as an adult, then how chemically sensitive is a child -- or an infant whose neurological systems are still developing?

In group care, young children are exposed to many chemicals used in cleaning, sanitizing and carpet cleaning - at levels that could prove toxic to a chemically sensitive child. Cleanliness and sanitation are both very important in group care settings, of course, but we should be doing it in a way that does not overexpose children to harsh chemicals. Bleach solution should be used on toys only after thoroughly washing the playthings with mild soap and water and drying them. The bleach solution should never be made any stronger than is necessary for disinfectant, which is 1/4-cup of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of tap water. This ratio of bleach to water can safely be left on equipment and toys to dry.

Carpets should also be steam-cleaned with mild detergents. Most regular carpet cleaning chemicals are highly toxic and should never be used in childcare settings, especially those with infants and toddlers who spend most of their day on the carpet inhaling fumes. Most carpet cleaners contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, butyl, ethers, phosphates and acids that can potentially damage a young child's neurological systems. This is also true of most dry cleaning methods, which have been regulated in some states such as California, because the process is so toxic and carcinogenic to humans. All soft materials should be machine washable using a detergent such as Ivory, Dreft, All Free Cheer or other similar detergents that do not contain irritating chemicals, dyes, perfumes and bleaches.

Another area for chemical concern with young children is the treatment of head lice. Most head lice products contain lindane, melathion or permethrin, which can have an adverse effect on children. Head lice infestation is not fatal, but deaths from asthma and bronchospasms have occurred in users of these chemicals. Head lice can be controlled without the use of insecticides by treatment with shampoos made with enzymes from natural products.

A final area for potential risk of toxic chemicals in group care facilities is the use of chemical sprays for pests. Many facilities spray on an ongoing basis, even when no pests are present. I often wonder if staff cover all the equipment and toys during the spraying process, as chemical residue can land on surfaces touched later by children. The poisons used in conventional pest control procedures are pollutants and potentially harmful to both staff and children. Integrated pest management is a relatively new concept in pest control that uses lower risk methods such as trapping and glue boards and less toxic chemicals such as boric acid. This newer method of pest control also includes analyzing food and water sources and entry points for pests.

I am sure there must be other resources out there for safer chemicals, and I hope you'll let me know what you've found. Below are sources. I have not yet tried. Be sure to ask for references before using any products.

Tangent Environmentally Sound Solutions
www.tangentindustries.com
800-858-6822

From the company's website: "Our mission begins with our products, each of which has been chosen to be among the safest on the market - as well as the most effective. Unlike some of our competitors, our products contain no carcinogens, no trichlor, and no methylene chloride. We want our products not only to work, but to work without detriment to our customers and the environment.

Our environmentally sound mission also goes beyond our products, to encompass every part of our operations. For example, we use only environmentally friendly packaging materials, recycle everything that can be recycled, reuse everything that can be reused, and encourage our customers and sales professionals to do the same.

"Tangent Industries was founded in April of 1991 by three cleaning chemical professionals who felt other chemical companies they had worked for were not adequately meeting the needs of their customers. They instead went off on a tangent and founded Tangent to be the most customer-responsive company in the business."

In addition, they selected "Environmentally Sound Solutions" as their mission, deciding that if a certain type of product was not safe for the user, or for the environment, then Tangent would find a way to make one that was.

Mid-West Safe Buildings Solutions
www.safebuildingsolutions.com
800-697-5371

From the company's website: "Over 10 years ago, we started on a quest to change the building and remodeling industry as it was known. Armed with a handful of 'alternative' building products from American Formulating and Manufacturing, and a passion to make a difference, we set out to take the industry by storm.

"In January 2000, we officially named our company Safe Building Solutions. A name that we feel is synonymous with premium quality, safer and more natural building and remodeling materials.

"To this day, we continue to sell the entire AFM family of materials, and have added an extensive list of products related to the building industry such as safe carpet cleaning materials, natural oil finishes, non-toxic caulking, and much, much more."

"Safe Building Solutions is dedicated to providing the highest quality, safe and more natural building materials available today."

Lice B Gone
www.s-e-a.net
877-730-2727

From company literature: "An effective treatment that is inexpensive and simple to use. Safe for both children and nursing mothers. This product uses natural enzymes to soften the lice nits for easy removal."

Lice Away Enzyme Shampoo
www.naturesbestenzyme.com

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