Safe Chemical Management in Schools
From maintenance closets to chemistry labs, schools use a variety of chemicals. Not managed properly, chemicals can pose health and safety risks to students, school personnel and the environment and result in loss of education time and considerable expense. Toxic chemicals can cause health problems ranging from mild irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat, to more serious health issues such as asthma attacks, cancer, brain and nervous system disorders, and organ damage. Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental exposures because their bodily systems are still developing; they eat, drink & breathe more in proportion to their body size; and their behavior can expose them more to chemicals. A proper chemical management program ensures a school is free from hazards associated with mismanaged chemicals. Learn more about safely managing chemicals in classrooms, labs and throughout the school and school grounds, as well as greener alternatives for products such as cleaning supplies and furnishings
Tip: Also visit our National & State Green School Programs page to learn more about local and national Green School programs and resources to help you improve the health & sustainability of your school!

Before You Start
Design and Preparation
- Conduct a General Environmental Review Checklist
- Green Cleaning Program Assessment (products, etc.)
- Conduct an Audit:
Implementation
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Action Plan Forms:
- Healthy Schools Action Plan
- Hazardous Materials Sample Action Plan & Blank Action Plan
- Laboratory Chemicals Sample Action Plan & Blank Action Plan
- Green Cleaning Sample & Blank Action Plans
- Indoor Air Quality Sample Action Plan and Blank Action Plan
- Pest Management Sample Action Plan and Blank Action Plan
- School Chemical Management & Clean-Out Initiatives:
- Toolkits:
- Purchasing Green & Sustainable Products
- Green Cleaning for Schools
- Implement an Integrated Pest Management Program
- Also see: Ventilation, Air Quality
Using Your Project
- EPA Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides & Online Resources for Educators
- Eco Schools K-12 Resources for Educators
- Eco Schools National Standards & Curriculum Alignment
- Eco Schools Green STEM Initiative
- Green Education Foundation: Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
- Learning Lab Sustainability Lessons
- Project Learning Tree Curriculum Offerings
Sharing Your Project
- Downloadable Green Cleaning Posters & PowerPoints
- Involve Parents in Creating a Healthy Indoor School Environment
- Create Signs About Green Cleaning, Green Products & Chemical Safety