National Autism Association and Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology Announce National 'Greening Your School' ...( Many studies confirm environmenta...),Health

Many studies confirm environmental toxins play role in autism, asthma and other chronic health problems

NIXA, Mo., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Autism Association (NAA) announced today a nationwide initiative encouraging school districts to implement the "Greening Your School" program created by the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology(R). The program offers practical solutions for schools to eliminate the serious dangers posed to children from daily exposures to institutional cleaners containing toxic chemicals.

The "Greening Your School" program was inspired by Deirdre Imus' work to implement green cleaning in hospitals. Greening the Cleaning(R) means eliminating to the greatest extent possible cleaning agents containing hazardous ingredients, and replacing them with environmentally responsible ingredients with the least level of toxicity.

In response to an inquiry from NAA president Wendy Fournier, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology has created a packet of information explaining the benefits of implementing green cleaning in schools that parents can download for presentation to school districts.

"We owe it to our children to protect their health and the environment," said Ms. Fournier. "Schools can maintain a healthier environment for children and staff members, and save money in the process. It's a win-win situation."

The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology(R) at Hackensack University Medical Center, a 501(C)3 not-for-profit corporation, has gained national attention in its progress to identify, control and prevent toxic environmental exposures linked to cancer and other diseases in children. The "Greening Your School" program provides parents and other advocates for children's health an online guide for implementing Greening the Cleaning(R) products in schools.

"Many toxic exposures are entirely preventable," said Mrs. Imus. "Gre
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