Useful information for parents who don't homeschool

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Hi everyone,

There is an organization called, Healthy Schools Network, Inc. This great organization has done much to educate people on the problems of pollution in schools. (pesticides, aspestos, cleaners, mold, etc) Their web site is: www.hsnet.org. For anyone who sends their child to school, it is a site worth checking out.

As some of you know, my son has a problem with chemicals. I was able o get his school to stop using pesticides, start using green cleaners and to be all around aware of his problems which, in turn helps the students that may have problems they are unaware of.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), September 14, 2000

Answers

Dee,

I admire your grit and effort in convincing your school to stop using the pollutants, etc., that are harmful to others. I am employed in a public school as a teacher and have been involved at the level of school administration as well so i can appreciate your efforts. I do however know that here in the south it is virtually a futile effort to stop such usages. I recently was employed in an elementary school, a very old building, which had abestos in it and they tore down the walls and floors without doing the proper techniques to do so as specified by OSHA and they got away with it. Several of the school personnel and parents were concerned about the situation but geuss what? Nothing, absolutly NOTHING was done. but the cancer rate in that district (now my former employer) was very high for kids and staff plus the incidence of autism was high as well. i was very concerned about the effect of the paint smells after they fixed the wall on my students and the superintendent said, "construction inconviences everyone and we have to put in the new windows!" Well......needless to say several parents complained and got no where. I ended up moving on afterwards but still... there are several of these schools all over the place and with administrations which are insensitive to the needs of others. Again... i applaud your efforts.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), September 14, 2000.


I have been more aware recently of how chemicals do affect us. I got rid of all my chemicals in my home (my cleaning supplies and personal care products) and started using natural products. My son hasn't had the runny noses he was accustomed to, nor have we been as sick.

I have noticed, though, that I really react now when I am in an environment with the chemical cleaners. I have a hard time breathing, and usually end up rather sick if I'm in that place for very long.

I think we would be amazed at what we're putting our bodies through without even thinking about it.

-- Terri Miller (tchr4hm@juno.com), September 23, 2000.


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