As school begins, a new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck), is now on the books to help protect the health and safety of our school children by requiring all elementary and secondary schools in the state to use environmentally-friendly, or "green" cleaning and maintenance products.

"Studies have shown that many cleaning and maintenance products contain potentially harmful chemicals that may threaten individual health or lead to accidental poisoning," said Assemblyman DiNapoli. "Over the long term, the use of these products burdens wastewater treatment facilities and may result in surface or groundwater contamination."

Under the new law, which takes effect September 1, products used by schools must minimize adverse impacts on children's health and the environment. A district may purchase conventional products if green products cannot meet their needs.

Assemblyman DiNapoli has also proposed a similar bill requiring all state and local government agencies (except schools) to buy environmentally safe products. At a minimum the proposed legislation would require all products and services to avoid using listed priority toxic substances and meet federal energy efficiency and recycled content requirements.