Connecticut bill will require schools to clean green

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Connecticut bill will require schools to clean green

By Eileen FitzGerald

Staff writer

Updated: 05/21/2009 12:00:31 AM EDT

HARTFORD -- Schools across the state must develop green cleaning

programs as of 2011, according to a law passed by the state Senate on

Tuesday.

If Gov. M. Jodi Rell signs Bill 6496, Connecticut will join New

York and Illinois in requiring its school districts to use using

" environmentally preferable cleaning products. "

The products, which must be certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo,

include general purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, floor finishes, floor

strippers, hand cleansers and soaps.

The law does not apply to disinfectants, disinfecting cleaners or

other products regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and

Rodenticide Act.

Danbury schools have already phased out most toxic products.

" We are way ahead of the state legislators, " said Angelo Rodriquez,

director of sites and facilities for the Danbury school district.

While he has not yet found a disinfectant that is effective and

certified, " At least 80 percent of our cleaning products are EPA or

Green Seal certified, and we provide training to our custodial staff on

green cleaning. "

Rodriquez will run the next cleaning lesson for custodians Tuesday.

The legislation, he said, is " beneficial to all. I support it 100 percent.''

The bill's requirements are the same as those already in place for

all state-owned buildings, including the state technical high schools

and state universities.

Newtown resident len Lawson, founder of the Connecticut Foundation for

Environmentally Safe Schools, was pleased the bill passed Tuesday.

" I am especially proud that my state representative, Democrat Chris

Lyddy, and state senator, Republican McKinney, were such strong

proponents of the bill, " she said.

" The fact that one is a freshman legislator in the House and the

other the minority leader of the Senate is a testament to what a

bipartisan and bicameral effort this has been. "

Lawson was disabled by mold in a Fairfield school that has since been

demolished.

In a press statement, Lyddy said the health and safety of children and teachers

should be the first priority.

" Kids can't learn and teachers can't teach when they are in an environment that

negatively impacts their health, " he said.

" We owe it to our children to provide the best learning environment

that we possibly can. This legislation is a bold step in the direction

of protecting our children. I believe prevention is the best

intervention to any issue.

" Unfortunately, we have allowed too many children and teachers to be harmed by

unhealthy conditions. "

The bill was endorsed by the Connecticut State Medical Society.

Some cleaning products release irritants that can affect adults and

especially children, said Dr. Handler, president of the society.

" We know there is an epidemic of asthma that may be related to

pollutants in the air, " Handler said. " This makes a lot of sense. We're

very happy the legislation passed. "

He said his town's schools switched to green products two years ago

and have saved money, so the move does not mean spending more.

Connecticut laws now regulate environmental issues affecting schools

that range from monitoring indoor air quality, requiring

environmentally green construction and renovations, and restricting

pesticides in school buildings and on school grounds.

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