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PowerPoint
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(courtesy of Kathleen Parrott, Ph.D., Virginia Tech)
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Creating and Maintaining Healthy Childcare Environments |
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There
are many reasons why young children are especially sensitive to
pollutants in their environment. For those who spend part of their week
in a childcare facility, pollutants can be a health risk and should be
avoided. |
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Teaching Outline Why be concerned? As a general, natural rule, children that we are caring for- whether as parents, relatives or as caretakers, deserve our special care and protection. When it comes to risks in the environment, however there are additional reasons that we must give special attention to the needs of children. The protections that children need are greater than what we as adults need.Here are some reasons that providing healthy surroundings for children is especially important:
This purpose of this lesson is to provide a list of important pollutants that may be in your facility. We offer some easy steps that you might take to reduce these risks. What are environmental pollutants and why worry about them? As health science advances, we learn more and more about ways in which everyday things can sometimes cause health problems. This does not mean that we should worry about every little thing. This does not mean that we have to totally rearrange our lives or spend a lot of money to eliminate health risks. The reason for this lesson is to learn about some health risks that exist in many houses, and to learn simple ways to lower these risks. For each potential pollutant:
Tobacco smoke (environmental tobacco smoke, [ETS], second hand smoke.) Sources: Smoking indoors: Cigarettes/pipes/cigars.Detection: Smoking in places where children are present. Health effects: Tobacco smoke is an irritant to the eyes, nose throat and lungs. Children exposed to tobacco smoke have increased chances of ear infections, upper respiratory infections, colds. In children with asthma or allergies, this may trigger an attack, which makes it difficult for the victim to breathe. Some research shows that prolonged exposure can increase the chances of serious diseases later in life. Correction: Best: Quit smoking. Good: smoke outside. Source: Combustion products are gases and fine particles produced when any fuel is burned. All these products are unhealthy, causing irritation and illness and sometimes death. In normal operation of a furnace, these pollutants go up the chimney. But these pollutants are also produced by fuel-fired (not electric) space heaters and by gas ranges. When these appliances are not vented to the outside, their pollutants collect in the building. Pollutants from these sources include formaldehyde, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other chemicals, as well as fine particles of soot. Detection: Use of an unvented, fuel burning space heater will put these pollutants into the room. Amounts produced will depend on the size of the space heater, how long it is in operation, whether the heater has been properly cleaned and adjusted, and ventilation of the room, among other factors. Likewise, use of a gas range will also produce these pollutants. Normal cooking activities should not cause any problems; the problems occur when the range is used for prolonged periods, to heat the room. Problems with the furnace or chimney can cause dangerous fumes to enter the house. Since the most deadly of these, carbon monoxide, has no odor, carbon monoxide alarms are very important for warning of this deadly gas. Health Effects: Most combustion products are irritants to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Effects include coughing, burning sensation in eyes, nose and throat, headaches and dizziness and sleepiness. Larger doses or prolonged exposure may have more serious effects. Some of these pollutants can increase the risk of cancer. Children with asthma may be more sensitive to the irritation caused by these pollutants. While large doses of carbon monoxide can kill, small amounts can cause nausea, muscle aches, tiredness and other symptoms resembling the flu. Correction:
Lead: Sources: There are many, many sources for lead in and around the home/school/childcare facility. However, lead-contaminated dust is the most common source. Lead-contaminated dust is likely in and around buildings:
The issue, especially for small children, is that, as they crawl and play, they collect dust on their hands and toys. When these are put into the mouth, or when eating, tiny bits of lead are eaten. Even though the child does not look sick, these small amounts of lead can cause serious problems. Testing: there are several choices for testing. Lead paint was made until 1978. It was used in gasoline until the 1980's. For pre-1978 buildings, and those located near busy roadways, one might simply assume that lead hazards are present, and act accordingly. It is possible to buy do-it-yourself testing kits. But these are not guaranteed to be accurate, they don't tell whether levels are high or low, and may be difficult to use where there several layers of paint. Or you can hire a certified lead risk inspector to conduct a complete survey of lead problems in the building. Health effects: While large doses of lead can cause convulsions and death, this is becoming less common. Recent research has shown that very small amounts of lead- smaller than anyone worried about in the past- can cause serious problems, affecting brain development. It is now believed that low doses of lead can cause;
Since this problem doesn't make the child seem sick, it is hard to realize or believe that it is happening. And yet, there is strong medical evidence that this is so. Correction: The best correction would be to have all lead professionally removed (this requires special training and licensing; don't try to do this yourself.) There are some reasonable alternatives to this. "In place management" provides protection from exposure without actually removing the lead paint. The main idea is to prevent kids from getting lead dust on their hands or on things that they put into their mouths.This involves things like:
Asthma is a disease that makes it difficult to breathe during an attack. In severe cases, this can be life-threatening and calls for immediate medical treatment. Asthma attacks are set off by "triggers". These are different for different people. For some asthma sufferers, triggers can be cold air, exercise or even emotional upsets. In others, triggers can be things like pollen, dust, particles from furry animals and molds. Cockroaches and dust mites cause a very large number of attacks. Some important triggers have already been mentioned (tobacco smoke, combustion products.) Dust can be controlled by a regular program of housekeeping. High performance vacuum cleaners are best. Using damp mops and dustrags is also a good method to control dust. Since cleaning can put dust into the air, it is best to schedule this when children will not be in the facility for the next day or so. Pets: It is best not to have furry pets. If present, try to keep them out of areas where children spend a lot of time. Keep pets out of carpeted areas. It is especially important to clean carpet frequently. Carpet can contain dust, mold, dust mites, lead and other pollutants. Be careful with carpet cleaning chemicals (follow label instructions). If wet methods are used on carpet, use fans as needed so carpet dries out within a day or so. Schedule cleaning at the beginning of weekends or holidays so that ventilation and drying occur before children return. Roach control is difficult. Roaches need food and water to grow. Be careful to store food in tight containers, clean up scraps and crumbs promptly. Fix plumbing leaks promptly and get rid of water drips and spills. Do not allow open containers of water to stand around. Control moisture problems. Dust mites are found mostly in bedding. They can live in many other places, including upholstered furniture and stuffed toys. Regular cleaning is helpful. For things that are laundered, the "Hot" setting can kill mites and their eggs. Small stuffed animals can be placed in the freezer for a few hours to kill mite eggs. Mold: Source: Mold needs moisture, a food source and mild to warm temperatures to grow. Mold can grow just about anywhere there is high moisture.Detection: Mold problems are often visible. The well known "moldy" smell can reveal hidden mold. Health effects: Mold and mold spores can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. They can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Some types of mold can cause severe illness, especially in the young, the elderly and those who are ill. Correction: A solution of laundry bleach, mixed according to directions on the bottle, will kill mold. However, to solve the mold problem, you need to find and correct the moisture problem that allows mold to grow. If there is a large mold growth, more than a couple of square feet, you should get help from a professional cleaning service; some molds can be dangerous, releasing toxic spores when disturbed. Source: Many common cleaning and household maintenance products contain strong solvents and other harsh chemicals. This includes products such as furniture cleaners and polishes, floor cleaners and polishes, household cleansers, carpet shampoos and germ killers. Health effects: Many of the chemicals in these products can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. They can cause other discomfort and breathing problems for people who are sensitive. Correction: While these products are generally safe when used according to instructions, they can cause problems if improperly used. Avoid excessive use of such products. Follow directions on the package for mixing and use. Do not mix up "extra strength" batches; dilute according to manufacturer's directions. Since children may be especially sensitive, plan cleaning for times when children will be away for a while, such as weekends or holidays. This will allow time for these products to dry and evaporate. ALSO: MAKE SURE THAT THESE PRODUCTS ARE SAFELY STORED WHERE CHILDREN CANNOT GET AT THEM! Pesticides: Source: Many homes have an assortment of pesticides to help deal with insect pests in the home and in the garden. Health effects: These products can cause a range of effects, from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, to breathing difficulties and allergic reactions, to severe illness and death. The strength of a person's reaction will depend on how much exposure they have to these chemicals, and on individual sensitivity. Children are more sensitive than adults. Correction: Try to replace these products with less toxic products (the warning labels will give you some idea of how dangerous a product is.) Consider alternatives such as traps instead of poisons. If these products are used, be sure to read and follow directions. Apply these products at times when children will be away, such as on weekends and holidays. Sources: Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from soil beneath the home. Some places have high amounts, others have little or none. This gas can build up in homes. Testing: Inexpensive test kits are available at home centers or through mail order local or state health departments can provide lists of suppliers. Testing is the only way to find out if your home has a radon problem. Health effects: Exposure to radon increases risks of lung cancer. This is the second largest risk for lung cancer, after cigarette smoking. Correction: If a home has high levels of radon, a system can be installed in the basement to vent the gas through the roof. Cost is usually about $1500-2000. As a temporary measure, partly opening basement windows can sometimes help to lower radon levels. This may risk frozen pipes during severe cold spells. WORDING FOR CERTIFICATE
CERTIFICATE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT [THIS IS NOT A FULL LINE] HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSE IN
Healthy Indoor Environments for Daycare Centers
RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION {NAME}______________ {DATE}___________________
{TITLE}_______________ DRAFT: TAKE-AWAY SHEET: Childcare providers - Facilities Protect the Children: Reduce Indoor Pollution
Prepared by: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Vogel, Professor |
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Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes is a partnership of: |
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“www.healthyindoorair.org” is a partnership program of the