Wyoming Healthy Schools

Events, Opportunities, & Resources

Upcoming Event: Free webinar – Managing Indoor Air Quality Before and During Wildfire Smoke Events: Smoke-Ready Schools, 4/15/25, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MDT. For more information and to register, see the link below. (These webinars are usually recorded and posted online for those who can’t attend live. If you register, you’ll receive an email with a link to the recording at a later date.) https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5134637284197098326?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Opportunity: 2025 Radon Poster Contest for Wyoming students in grades 3-9. Deadline 4/18/25. For rules and submission information, visit https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/cancer-and-chronic-disease-prevention-unit/cancer/radonpostercontest/

Resource: Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guidance, https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-schools-and-commercial-buildings?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Diving Deeper: Put healthy school supplies on the list this spring for a healthier classroom next fall

As many of us are beginning to gear up for summer, excitedly planning outdoor activities unencumbered by snow boots and puffy coats, school staff are already planning for next fall. This includes writing up school supply lists and ordering materials for next school year. So, it’s the perfect time to learn about how these items can affect health in the classroom and how to choose the safest alternatives. Families can share this information with their child’s teacher(s), too!

Here are a few tips for choosing healthier school supplies and why it matters:

Markers

Fumes from dry erase markers cause indoor air pollution (even the low-odor ones), especially when a classroom full of students is using them at the same time. Instead, consider dry erase colored pencils or dry erase crayons for students to use on lapboards (Crayola makes some). Another alternative is to use electronic tablets and styluses. For markers to use on paper, choose unscented, water-based markers (like Crayola and Rose Art brands). They’re less hazardous than solvent-based, permanent markers (such as Sharpies). Be aware that even products labeled “non-toxic” on their packaging can have health effects.

Ditch the disinfecting wipes

One of the biggest dangers of disinfecting wipes is they’re simply too convenient for the serious risk they pose. I once saw a school staff member hand one to a student to clean up spilled punch, when actually all disinfectants are a type of pesticide, and they should NEVER be used by or near students because of the hazardous chemicals they often contain. Many (including Clorox and Lysol wipes) also leave a toxic residue that must be rinsed off with water if the surface they’re used on may come in contact with food—even for snacks and treats. (Read the product label, and you’ll see.) When used disinfecting wipes are thrown in the trash, they continue to release hazardous chemicals in the air—chemicals that students and staff are breathing until the trash is taken out to the dumpster. If students need to clean up after themselves, have them use a plain microfiber cloth or paper towel with water or fragrance-free soap and water. And make sure the soap isn’t antibacterial. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), plain soap works just as well and doesn’t have the extra harmful chemicals antibacterial soaps can contain. When disinfecting is required, it should happen when students are not in the room, preferably after school. It should be done by trained staff using only district-provided products and while wearing gloves.

Skip the hand sanitizer, too

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water rather than using hand sanitizer at school. The reason? Hand-washing is better at getting rid of the germs that can cause illness, including COVID and the flu. Also, hand sanitizer contains hazardous chemicals, and these chemicals can kill good germs our bodies need. Build time into the day to allow for handwashing.

Go fragrance free with all school supplies

Scented products cause indoor air pollution. Chemicals used to create scents can interfere with hormones and cause many serious health problems, even cancer. Many people are allergic to fragrance, too, and it can trigger headaches, asthma attacks, and other breathing problems.

Bring on the brain-food snacks

If your school puts snacks on the school supply lists, ask for specific foods that help students be ready to learn. Think high-protein foods like beef jerky, cheese, nuts (avoid if allergies), seeds, and whole-grain crackers. Other brain-booster foods are fresh fruits and vegetables that could be brought in when needed throughout the year. Whenever possible, avoid processed foods containing preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and added sugar. Some food additives, especially artificial colors, can cause behavior problems that make it difficult for students to learn. Other additives have been linked to cancer, increased risk of heart disease, and allergic reactions.

For references and more information, visit https://wyominghealthyschools.org/classrooms/