Advocate for clean air, safe water and healthy food at home, at school and at work.
Pay attention to your "safety signals." Your reactions are warning you that there is "something in the air."
Protect your lungs from irritants, allergens and chemical hazards.
Do not passively accept poor ventilation, bad smells, and poor sanitation in classrooms, offices or public buildings.
Don't take medication to tolerate an unhealthy environment. Speak up and get out.
Do not buy or use air freshners.
Choose personal care products without fragrances, especially synthetic scents.
Do not buy or burn scented candles.
Do not buy or use "sweet" or harsh smelling cleaning products, especially aerosol sprays.
Don't spray 'em. Outsmart 'em! Do not use insecticides or herbicides and teach others safe ways to manage pests indoors and out.
Avoid dust and fumes from renovation or maintenance activities.
ELLIE GOLDBERG, M.Ed. is an education and environmental health advocate for healthy children, safe schools and sustainable communities – clean water, clean air, clean energy and safe food. Inspired by the legacy of Rachel Carson, who taught that our health and security is intimately connected to the quality of our environment, Ellie is active in public health, environmental, educational and public policy organizations working to increase citizen engagement, government accountability and corporate responsibility on behalf of children and their healthy development.
