Healthy Schools

School Environmental Health Act

Vermont offers programs and resources to improve and maintain healthy school environments. The School Environment Health Act (Act 125) aims to improve school indoor air quality, reduce exposures to hazardous materials, and help schools earn the Envision Certificate of Achievement.

The Envision Program – Promoting Healthy School Environments was created from Act 125. It helps schools identify, prevent, and problem-solve potential environmental health and indoor air quality issues by providing a model environmental health management plan and policy. Envision gives schools the tools, training, and technical assistance to create and maintain a healthier school environment.

Healthy schools are more than ensuring good indoor air quality in school buildings. Creating a healthy school includes reducing exposure to other toxic substances, particularly asbestos, lead and radon.

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Information for Teachers About Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are easy to use but are generally not safe for everyday classroom use. Disinfecting wipes (for example, Lysol and Clorox brands) contain harsh chemicals that have been linked to acute and chronic health issues. They can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Plus, the fragrances used can trigger allergies and asthma and have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. Learn more about disinfecting wipes and what to use instead for everyday classroom cleanup