U.S. Teachers Give Classrooms Failing Grade on Cleanliness

Newswise — Teachers believe we need to do more to make our classrooms cleaner and healthier for our children, according to research revealed today at the American Medical Association's Back-to-School: Child & Adolescent Health briefing in New York City.

Findings from a new survey, "Clean Up the Classroom Scholastic Survey: Teachers Tell All," reveals new information on the cleanliness of America's classrooms. More than two-thirds of the teachers surveyed report that their school's custodial staff does not disinfect their classrooms regularly. America's teachers also report that cleaning their classrooms has become their own responsibility and challenge. Nearly 50 percent of those surveyed report they regularly clean and disinfect their classrooms themselves.

"It is well known that regular hand washing is the first line of defense in preventing the transfer of germs that may cause illness, and therefore it is regularly practiced in schools, said Dr. Paul S. Horowitz, M.D., F.A.A.P. and American Academy of Pediatrics member. "Germs are frequently spread through surface contact yet many teachers do not have the time or the tools to combat these germs. This discrepancy, along with infrequent hand washing, can directly impact the health and wellness of both students and teachers."

Teachers Tell AllThe American Institute of Health reports that the common cold results in students missing 22 million days annually. Teachers surveyed also complain they get sick from their students: nearly three-quarters believe they have missed school because of an illness spread from a student. America's teachers recognize the correlation between classroom germs and illness; nearly all the teachers surveyed think germs on classroom surfaces contribute to the spread of illness during the school year. Additionally, 92 percent of teachers believe that regular disinfecting in classrooms can result in fewer absences caused by illness.

Additional results from the Clean Up the Classroom Scholastic Survey: · 96 percent of teachers believe more can be done to make classrooms cleaner and healthier places for our children· 90 percent of teachers think it is common for students to come to school sick· 66 percent of teachers disinfect students' desktops frequently· 56 percent of teachers report buying their own cleaning supplies· 4 percent of teachers report that parents help clean the classroom· 12 percent of parents contribute by donating cleaning supplies to the teacher

"My students are constantly touching everything in the classroom throughout the day, including each other, said Marci Marcus, a first-grade teacher in Stamford, Conn. "To offset this behavior, I keep a healthy classroom each year with a cleaning routine that includes frequent hand washing reminders for the students, and a disinfecting schedule for myself."

Germ GeographyWhile the teachers who participated in the online Scholastic survey understand the importance of cleaning desktops (66 percent frequently disinfect this surface), many of the other germ-prone surfaces are still being ignored. According to a recent University of Arizona study, the top locations for Influenza A (the flu) in the classroom are:· Student desktop· Sink faucet handle· Paper towel dispenser lever· Entrance doorknob

FREE "Clean Up the Classroom Starter Kits" Clorox® is providing tips and tools for teachers to help expel germs from the classroom. For more information on promoting a healthy classroom, teachers can sign up at http://www.cloroxclassrooms.com to receive a free "Clean Up the Classroom Starter Kit" and sample of Clorox ® Disinfecting Wipes.

Help to Expel GermsDr. Horowitz offers the following tips for creating a healthy classroom environment: · Teach children to use warm, soapy water and rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds (about the same time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice).· Use disinfecting wipes regularly on common classroom surfaces to decrease the level of germs and help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.· Encourage students to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, as this is an easy way to transmit "bugs" after touching contaminated surfaces and objects.

About the Clean Up the Classroom Scholastic SurveyThe Clean Up the Classroom Scholastic Survey: Teachers Tell All was conducted using a grant from The Clorox Company via www.scholastic.com during June and July 2005. A total of 614 surveys were completed among teachers who taught full-time during the 2004-2005 school year. The findings reported here are statistically valid at the 95 percent confidence level, with a margin of error of plus/minus 4 percent.

About The Clorox CompanyThe Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2004 revenues of $4.2 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All® and STP® auto care products, Fresh Step® and Scoop Away® cat litters, Kingsford® charcoal briquets, Hidden Valley® and KC Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, Brita® water-filtration systems, and Glad® bags, wraps and containers. With 8,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $58.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges; and in fiscal 2004 alone made product donations valued at $5 million. For more information about Clorox, visit http://www.TheCloroxCompany.com.