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Parent urges fragrance ban in schools; district says Indiana Department of Health found cleaning supplies compliant
Summary
A community member told the board that fragrances in school cleaning products worsened a student’s sinus issues and urged the district to adopt fragrance-free products; the district said an Indiana Department of Health audit found compliance and said it would provide the report.
A parent or community member urged the New Albany-Floyd County school board May 12 to remove fragranced cleaning products from schools, citing the Indiana Department of Health’s guidance and health concerns for students with asthma and sinus issues.
The commenter said the family had been told by facilities staff that fragrances were not being used, but that safety-data sheets (SDS) they obtained listed fragranced products. The commenter cited health risks including asthma exacerbation and increased cortisol and asked the board to adopt a fragrance-free standard for classrooms and common areas.
District response: Superintendent Dr. Madison said the district arranged an audit by the Indiana Department of Health at no cost to taxpayers and that the department’s report concluded the district had been compliant in the areas reviewed and found no fragrances used in the district’s cleaning supplies. The speaker who raised the concern said his SDSs suggested fragrance was present. The superintendent agreed to provide the commenter a copy of the health-department report and said the report is posted on the district website for the required period.
Why it matters: The request raises public-health considerations for students and staff with sensitivities; the commenter asked the board to follow Department of Health recommendations and adopt fragrance-free products as an easy mitigation.
Outcome: The board did not adopt a policy at the meeting. District staff said they would provide the commenter with the health-department audit report and follow up as needed.
