A less toxic paint is in use across the province. In some boards there is the mistaken belief that this paint is safe to use while children are present. The Annapolis Valley Board has a form signed by three officials to ensure proper protection of students and staff from exposure to fumes. In Halifax, chlorine bleach is to be used with permission from the operations department, and only with strict controls for exposure, and only for dealing with special mould problems. There are several reasons for this, one being that limonene, or d'limonene, the primary citrus ingredient, has been found by researchers to form formaldehyde when combined with ozone.
Ozone is a byproduct of many motors and is naturally present in the air.
Mop Oil is no longer supposed to be used as the attractant for school mops in the Halifax Region. In its place are mop heads with special dirt-attracting qualities that are less toxic. Bathroom deodorizers are not supposed be used in some school regions. Floor waxing is happening after hours in many schools. Floor stripping is being done on weekends or vacations.