Office of Pollution Preventi And Toxics

The sources of dangerous chemicals in schools are not always obvious. This guidance applies to any school that purchases, uses, stores, or disposes of chemicals or products containing dangerous materials. Some of the most common dangerous chemical products in schools include: - Laboratory chemicals (e.g., acids, bases, solvents, metals, salts) - Industrial arts or "shop" classes (e.g., inks, degreasers) - Art supplies (e.g., paints, photographic chemicals) - Pesticides, fertilizers, and de-icers - Maintenance supplies and equipment (e.g., drain cleaners, floor stripping products, paints, oils, boiler cleaners, fuels, mercury switches and gauges) - Health care equipment (e.g., mercury thermometers). This document is designed primarily for school administrators (principals and other policymakers), but may also be of value for teachers, maintenance personnel, superintendents, school business officials, insurance industry risk managers, and parents.