Giftfria förskolor i Nordmalings kommun : En inventering av förskolor med åtgärdsförslag för att möjliggöra en minskning av barns negativa hälsoeffekter till följd av kemikalieexponering

Humans are exposed to chemicals every day in our indoor environment. Chemicals have contributed to increased prosperity but also caused negative health effects. Children are vulnerable to chemicals because of their development and they breathe and drink more in relation to their body weight. That is why it’s important to reduce chemical exposure in environment for children. Preschools have a central role when it comes to materials and products that may pose a risk for exposure. The municipality has an important role to achieve a nontoxic environment which is based on a Swedish environmental quality goal (Non-toxic environment). This study is a part of the prioritized local environmental work in the municipal of Nordmaling. An inventory has been done to find out what type of chemicals that may expose children to harmful effects in preschools of Nordmaling. Electronic as a toy, soft and smelling toys, plastic around food and drinks, foam play pads were common products found during the inventory. This materials containing phthalates, brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, bisphenol A, lead and cadmium that can expose children through leaching into the indoor environment. A guidance have been constructed to achieve a non-toxic environment based on the results from the inventory in a cost effective way. The conclusion of the report is clear, identified problem areas can quickly be accomplished with small measures and low costs. Increased awareness of harmful substances and good routines for purchases and cleaning can further reduce the exposure to chemicals in the preschools