Kicking off the month that people celebrate Earth Day, school administrators, teachers and parents may be interested to obtain a newly released federal brochure that provides guidelines for environmental health and safety in schools.

The booklet, called “Healthy Schools, lessons for a clean educational environment” was developed by the New England regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It provides an easy-to-read guide for administrators, educators and parents looking at ways to make sure local school buildings provide a healthy learning environment.

“Across the country, more than 53 million children and six million adults spend their days in our elementary and secondary schools,” said Robert Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Reducing environmental risks inside these buildings is critical for public health and for our children to get the education they need.”

The brochures include sections on indoor air quality issues, such as mold, asthma, and radon; toxics; drinking water; outdoor air quality issues such as UV rays and diesel buses; oil storage and how to make schools green.