The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $24,550 environmental education grant to the Southeast Pennsylvania Area Education Center in West Chester, Pa. to teach janitors, parents and teachers from 12 Philadelphia area daycare centers about indoor air pollution.

The education center will focus on teaching adults how to minimize environmental toxins in homes and daycare facilities. The project will expand staff and faculty awareness of health hazards associated with indoor air pollution caused by commonly used cleaning products and pesticides. It will also promote the increased use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products and pesticides in the child care facilities.

"By teaching parents, guardians and educators essential information about indoor air pollution, we can help maintain safe and environmentally-friendly schools and homes," said Donald S. Welsh, administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

Since 1992, EPA has provided almost $3 million annually in environmental education grants to local organizations, schools and government agencies nationwide. This funding supports a wide range of environmental issues for citizens of all ages.

Visit EPA’s Environmental Education Grants webpage and online resources for communities, educators, and children.

11/9/2007