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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
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Safe, Healthy Schools: managing hazardous chemicals
Hazardous chemicals are used in schools in a number of different areas: science labs, photography and autobody classrooms, nurse's offices, maintenance closets. While complete elimination of these chemicals is not feasible, diligent management can reduce health risks for students and staff.
The EPA provides guidance on "Building Successful Programs to Address Chemical Risks in Schools", and there are other resources available to assist schools in controlling the risks associated with hazardous chemicals through sound management practices.
To provide an idea of the potential scope of this issue, below is a table of some of the most common hazardous chemicals found in schools - notably missing are radioactive materials commonly used in some science labs:
| Location |
Product Type |
Hazardous Ingredient (examples) |
| Science Labs |
Acids (undiluted) |
hydrochloric acid, nitric acid |
| Bases (undiluted) |
sodium hydroxide |
| Solvents |
methanol, methylene chloride |
| Oxidizers |
lead nitrate |
| Compressed gases |
oxygen |
| Toxins |
cyanides, chromates, mercury salts |
| Vocational / Trade Shops |
Solvents (used in paint, paint thinners, adhesives, lacquers, primers, etc.) |
petroleum naphtha, turpentine |
| Cleaning supplies, detergents |
phosphoric acid, sodium silicate |
| Compressed gases |
acetylene, nitrogen |
| Fuels, transmission and brake fluid |
gasoline |
| Visual and performing art studios |
Solvents (used in paint, paint thinners, adhesives, lacquers, primers, etc.) |
mineral spirits |
| Pottery clear coating glaze |
lead |
| Pigments for paints and coatings |
cadmium, manganese, chromium |
| Acids for etching |
nitric acid, hydrochloric acid |
| Dry clay for ceramics and jewelry |
silica |
| Custodial / Maintenance Areas |
Cleaning supplies / detergents |
butoxl ethanol, trisodium phosphate |
| Drain cleaners (alkaline and acidic) |
potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid |
| Pesticides (including disinfectants and sterilizers) |
permethrin, sodium hyperchlorite |
| Paint thinners |
toluene |
| Solvents (used in paints, paint thinners, adhesives, lacquers, primers, etc.) |
xylene |
| Swimming Pools |
Water treatment chemicals |
chlorine tablets |
| Kitchens / Cafeterias |
Pesticides (including disinfectants and sterilizers) |
sodium hyperchlorite |
| Cleaning supplies / detergents |
ammonium hydroxide |
| Refrigerants |
freon, ammonia |
| Nurse's Office |
Medical equipment |
mercury (thermometers, blood pressure manometers) |
| Photography laboratories |
Intensifiers / reducers |
potassium dichromate, hydrochloric acid |
| Developers |
hydroquinone |
| Stop baths and fixer |
acetic acid |
| School grounds / Athletic fields |
Pesticides |
2,4-D |
| Fertilizers |
ammonium nitrate |
| Administrative offices |
Correction fluid |
ethylene glycol, trichloroethane |
| Solvents (used in paints, paint thinners, adhesives, lacquers, primers, etc.) |
methyl ethyl ketone, petroleum distillates |
| Printer / toner cartidges |
carbon black |
If you are interested in receiving consultation or assistance with developing or tailoring a chemical program for your school, please contact us at 888-310-0565.
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