Michellina Van Loder
A list of resources for schools, TAFEs, and Universities facing challenges presented by sick buildings, fragrances and the rise in allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Guidelines to accommodate students and staff with environmental sensitivities: a guide for schools
A perfume power-struggle is being played out in schools across the country. Some students and teachers believe it is their civil right to be able to drench themselves in an assortment of scented products. Another equally passionate group reports experiencing adverse health effects on exposure to perfumes and they are requesting scent-free accommodations. They claim that perfumes contain many of the hazardous ingredients we typically associate with cigarette smoke. Is it possible to satisfy both these vying factions? Education is the answer.
Imagine that it's Tuesday, the one day a week where I am lucky enough to attend an Advanced Nonfiction class at Victoria University (VU), and I'm psyched! I don't have to worry about air-borne fragrances or solvent-based particles from spray deodorants or solvent-fragrance based hairsprays contaminating the classroom air.
An article with great tips on creating a low-toxic learning area for children
I am a Masters of Social Work (MSW) student currently
residing in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. I am completing a thesis on the topic
of Environmental Sensitivity/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (ES/MCS) and
scent-free policy. I am interested in policy, social change, detoxing public
spaces and creating accessibility for all, including and especially the
chemically injured among us.
Australia is well behind the rest of the developed world in addressing MCS in the education and training setting. For example, in the US, more than a dozen states have MCS Awareness Months and the disorder is recognised in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Further, a growing number of school districts have developed policies regarding the use of MDF, painting during term time and ‘offgassing’ of floor coverings before installation in education settings.
A perfume power-struggle is being played out in schools across the country. Some students and teachers believe it is their civil right to be able to drench themselves in an assortment of scented products. Another equally passionate group reports experiencing adverse health effects on exposure to perfumes and they are requesting scent-free accommodations. They claim that perfumes contain many of the hazardous ingredients we typically associate with cigarette smoke. Is it possible to satisfy both these vying factions? Education is the answer.
Free, Funny, Custom Somewhat Topical Ecard: Did you hear? Fragrance Fumes are the New Cigarette Smoke!
Children are uniquely vulnerable to toxins in their environments. Whether you are a concerned parent, teacher, or professional CASLE offers over 15 years of experience and resources to help solve problems, and create healthy school environments. Whether you are a concerned parent or teacher, a professional designing a new school, a principal or a maintenance manager, CASLE offers two decades of experience and resources to help solve problems, and to show how healthy school environments benefit students and staff.
Our Mission
With solid information, respect, and persistence as our primary tools we can help provide environmentally healthy products and practices in schools, and healthy school buildings.
“WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHY SCHOOLS”
Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) contributes to a favourable learning environment for students, productivity for teachers and other staff and a sense of comfort, health and well-being. These elements combine to assist a school in it's core mission - educating children.
Michellina is professional writer, author, web designer and photographer. She has just completed a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing at Victoria University; and is about to embark on a sp...
