Copying Equipment
What about photocopy machines? Do they pollute the air?
They can. Photocopiers emit hot, dry air and sometimes toner dust. In addition,
the high temperatures at which many copiers operate may cause the toner to
decompose into products that are respiratory irritants. Most copiers today
have ozone filters installed, so copiers should not be a significant source
of ozone gas, a strong lung irritant.
The UFT recommends that photocopiers be kept in large, well-ventilated rooms,
rather than small, enclosed ones, especially if some staff spend long periods
of time operating the equipment. If space permits, the copiers should be located
near windows or exhaust vents and as far as possible from staff desks. Be sure
to open windows periodically to improve ventilation, even in winter.
What about ditto machines?
Old-fashioned duplicating machines that produce copies (dittos or rexos) from
a stencil or spirit master are still used in many schools. In the past, these
machines presented a significant health hazard because the duplicating fluid
contained high concentrations of methanol.
Exposure to methanol (also called methyl alcohol) is associated with headaches,
dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and skin problems. The long-term effects
of exposure have not been adequately researched, but there is concern that
methanol may have adverse affects on the human reproductive system.
What is being done to protect school staff from exposure to methanol?
Fortunately, the UFT has made substantial progress in curbing this hazard.
As a result of UFT pressure, the Department of Education now purchases and
distributes only low-level (5 percent) methanol duplicating fluid. At the UFT’s
request, the DOE also sent a letter to all principals informing them of the
hazards of duplicating fluid and the importance of adequate ventilation even
when using the much less hazardous, low-level methanol product.
To further reduce exposure to methanol, staff should allow dittos to dry before
handling or distributing them. This is important because methanol can be absorbed
through the skin and can be inhaled as methanol evaporates during the drying
process.
Pesticides
Does exposure to pesticides in schools pose a health threat
to students
and staff?
No. At one time, the only defense against the health risks associated with insect and rodent infestations was extensive application of chemicals that were potentially hazardous to humans as well as vermin. But human exposure to pesticides is no longer a significant problem in the New York City schools.
Why are pesticides no longer a problem?
Since September 2000, the DOE ’s Office of School Food and Nutrition Services (OSFNS) has not used concentrated pesticides.
Does it use concentrated pesticides anywhere around schools?
Not in classrooms. However, OSFNS does use wetable powders in certain areas such as the perimeter of a school or in the food service area. During the 1999-2000 school year, it reported using a total of 32 pounds for the entire school system, an amount that works out to 1 gram per school per month.
So how does the DOE control pests?
With a combination of modern techniques known as “integrated pest management,” which
minimizes human exposure to toxic substances. Integrated pest management includes:
Using monitoring devices like glue boards for roaches and rodents to identify
problem areas before a major infestation occurs.
Eradicating pests with control agents that are minimally toxic to humans and
are applied in a manner that poses no health risk. For example, a very mild
enzymebased soap sprayed onto bugs will kill all pheromones (the sex chemicals
creatures exude). This product is also used as a children’s shampoo for
getting rid of lice without using a chemical product.
Cleaning infested areas to remove residues of excreta and biologically derived
dust to prevent allergy-related symptoms.
Will the DOE ever use pesticides in the classroom?
Only under extreme circumstances. In keeping with its least toxic/least impact policy, OSFNS says it would not resort to spraying a classroom unless there were an acute health hazard from a pest species, like fleas or ticks, for which non-aerosol control agents have not yet been developed. In such a situation, the least toxic spray would be selected and applied when the classroom was not occupied in order to minimize exposure to staff and students.
What else does OSFNS do to control pests?
It encourages schools to take steps that can prevent the development of
pest problems in the first place and, thus, further reduce the need for chemical
treatment. For example, OSFNS is installing equipment in newly designed kitchens
to help reduce pest problems, including power washers and refrigerated rooms
for the storage of recycled food or garbage.
Prevention requires eliminating the conditions that attract and sustain vermin.
This can include stringent sanitation (e.g., use of tightly covered garbage
cans for food refuse) and vigilant building maintenance (e.g., sealing cracks
in walls and preventing moisture accumulation). While ideal conditions are
not always attainable, the pest control staff recommends appropriate measures
to the custodial staff. Other staff and students can help by keeping classrooms
free of food waste and avoiding use of project materials that may attract pests.
What advice do you have for teachers whose students eat in their rooms, such as in pre-K and kindergarten?
We recommend using foot-operated, covered, lined garbage containers in rooms where food must be consumed.
Can’t I just get a can of insecticide to zap any bugs I see in my classroom?
Please don’t. Staff (including custodial staff) should never try to treat a pest problem on their own with over-the-counter pesticide sprays; these may be hazardous to children and adults. Ask your chapter leader to notify the custodian, who will contact the DOE ’s pest control experts.
You’ve described what sounds like a perfect system. Are you really saying there are no more problems with insects or rats in any schools?
No. There certainly are schools that still have problems. And since cockroaches have been on this planet longer than humans, it seems inevitable that we’ll always have some pests. Please report any problems to your chapter leader.
I have seen mothballs in a number of classrooms with rodent problems.
Is
that safe?
Mothballs should never be used in school settings. Mothballs contain toxic
ingredients which evaporate into the air. Report any rodent infestations to
your chapter leader.
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