| Summary: | Chemicals in preschools - a study of endocrine disrupting chemicals and awareness among preschool teachers The purpose of this study was to investigate endocrine disrupting chemicals that have been shown in preschools and also the preschool teachers’ awareness of these chemicals. There were two methods used for completing this study; a literature study and a practical study. The literature study was made by researching on the internet and in books. The practical study was performed by sending questionnaires to all preschools in Kiruna municipality to study awareness among staff. The result shows that there are many different chemicals in preschools and that they were found in beds, floor, toys, food packaging etc. The result also shows that the preschool teachers were somewhat aware of chemicals hidden in products and interior, but needed more knowledge to do something. The response rate of the survey was 89 percent. 25 of 28 preschools participated in the survey. Children were exposed to chemicals from air, dust, food, etc. The chemicals might affect children through a variety of diseases; reproductive problems, diabetes, cancer, allergies, asthma, etc. We need more laws and restrictions to overcome the chemical problem. To solve the problem, knowledge must be given to both preschool staff and parents. Information must be easily accessible. Communities need to be more conscious of chemicals in the preschools and also in the rest of the children's everyday lives.
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