On Monday, February 4, USA Today published an article promoting Deirdre Imus’ “Greening Your School” program, which is designed to help make classrooms safe for students and teachers. Imus includes some critical initiatives in her program, such as testing water and replacing older pipes in schools to avoid exposure to lead—a known health hazard. By all means we need to keep our schools lead-free.

However, the health benefits of Imus’ other recommendations to replace “potentially dangerous cleaning supplies” not only distorts the facts about traditional cleaning products but could put our schools at risk.

Independent scientific studies demonstrate that the proper use of traditional cleaning and disinfecting products safely and effectively protects public health, reducing the primary causes of disease and infection.

Furthermore, cleaning and disinfecting products are rigorously evaluated for safety by several federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Conversely, much has been made about so-called “green” alternatives—including Imus’ very own product line!

Consumers should consider the facts about “green” or “natural” claims, as they are increasingly used as a marketing device. They should choose products that effectively protect against viruses and bacteria including Salmonella and E. Coli. Claims such as “kills 99% of germs” must be registered with the EPA.  Consumers can be confident their product effectively kills germs if the EPA registration number is on the label.  Many so-called ‘green’ products provide no such protection.

Keeping schools safe and clean are essential goals. However, it is important that the cleaning products used actually deliver the intended results. For more information about cleaning products, visit www.AboutCleaningProducts.com.