Want to know more?

• Why are young children more sensitive to environmental hazards and toxic substances than adults?

Because children have:


• Higher rates of oxygen consumption and metabolism.


• Developing body systems/organs.


• Behavioral differences.



• Young children learn by using their senses and are likely to try substances by touching, tasting or smelling them.


• Young children are eager to open containers and use equipment (e.g. spray cans).


• Young children like to imitate adults (e.g. mix up a bleach solution and mop the floor).


• Children of all ages like to experiment with new materials.


• Older children may be influenced by other kids to try risky things ("I dare you to.").

Source: 13 Indicators of Quality Child Care: Research Update: Toxic Substances
http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/ccquality-ind02/#Toxic



• What are some common toxic substances?

• Cleaning products and detergents; health and beauty aids
• All of these products should be locked, stored and inaccessible to children at all times.




• Pesticides; lawn care chemicals
• Are natural, nontoxic pest control methods used?


Examples:

• Beneficial insects (Examples: Lady bugs, Praying mantis).


• Plants that keep bugs away (Examples: Garlic, Marigolds).

Note: If chemical pesticides are used, they should be applied when children are NOT present and applied under strict compliance with the instructions on the label.


• Are areas, treated with chemicals, aired for the recommended period on chemical label?



• Is the area tested to determine safe levels BEFORE children and staff reoccupy the area?



• Are parents notified BEFORE the use of such products to determine if your child has any sensitivities to the product?



• Is the child care program notified before public pesticide or herbicide spraying so that children can play indoors? For example, notification is given when the city sprays the trees in a nearby park.


Note: If your child is sensitive to pesticides, ask your health care provider to place your child on the state pesticide sensitivity list. This list is made available to exterminators so that they are aware of people who have sensitivity to pesticides.


• Are fruits and vegetables washed and rinsed thoroughly just before serving?


Note: Children (and adults) should eat a wide variety of all fruits and vegetables to limit exposure to any one pesticide.

For more information on food safety see Food Preparation Section



• Air pollution
• Does the program prohibit smoking in all areas, including vehicles?



• Are incense, moth balls and chemical air fresheners prohibited?


Note: Cleaning and fresh air are better than chemicals to control odors.


• Is there a source of fresh air for each room?



• Are un-vented portable heaters (oil or open flame kerosene) prohibited?




• Poisonous plants
• Are only nontoxic plants found in the children's environment? Click here for a list of poisonous and safe plants.



• If there are poisonous plants, are there barriers such as a glass enclosure or fence to keep children from touching the plants?


Note: Plants are among the most common household substances that children eat.



• Arts and crafts materials
• Are nontoxic arts and crafts materials used? Labels should clearly indicate that the materials are nontoxic.



• Are children closely supervised when using art materials?



• Are materials properly cleaned up and stored in original labeled containers?




• Insect Repellants
• When using insect repellant, does the caregiver follow the manufacturer's instructions on the correct amount and dosage appropriate for children?



• When using repellent on a child, does the caregiver apply it to their own hands and then rub it on the child?



• Is the insect repellent removed by washing with warm water and soap when the child comes indoors and before the child eats?


Note: Insect repellent must not be applied to a child's hands, mouth, eye area or any irritated areas or scraped skin. Only use a small amount around the ears. DEET, a common type of insect repellant is absorbed through the skin and can cause harm in high concentrations.



• Radon
• Has the facility been monitored for radon concentrations?
  

Note: Concentrations should be less than 4 picocuries (A unit of measurement of radioactivity) per liter of air.



• Lead
• Have the following been tested for lead: outside grounds including dirt and grassy areas, painted play equipment, painted outside and inside surfaces, imported vinyl blinds?



• Is the drinking water tested every two years for safe lead levels?


Note: If lead paint is found and should be removed from surfaces, children and pregnant women must not be present during the removal.



• Asbestos
• Has the building been checked for asbestos materials that may be hazardous?



• If found, were they removed or contained by a contractor certified to remove or contain such material in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations?




• Where and how must toxic materials be stored and used?

• Kept in a locked room or cabinet


• Always inaccessible to children


• Always separate from medicine and food.


• Stored in their original, labeled containers.


• Used always according to the manufacturer's instructions.


• Used only for their intended purpose.


• Never used when children are present.



• What are ways child care programs can be less dependant on harsh chemicals and toxic substances?

• Weed lawns and flower beds by hand.



• Use pest resistant (but non-poisonous) plants in landscaping to reduce use of gardening chemicals.



• Limit the use of lawn and garden chemicals to those labeled as "non-restricted" use. Do not contaminate play surfaces or materials that children use.



• Use nontoxic arts and crafts materials.


Note: Recycled or donated materials should be checked for harmful ingredients.