Recognize that sensitivities are highly individualistic and variable.

Check with the student and the student's parents before bringing new substances into the classroom.

Promote open communication with parents and students.

Review the student's health needs as presented by both the parents and the student's physician.

Learn the necessary emergency procedures for your student's reactions (to such things as bee stings, foods, chemical vapours, etc.).

Respect the need for special diets (no food substitutions or rewards, or have alternative food rewards available).

Recognize that foods and even food aromas can trigger health and emotional stresses for children with environmental sensitivities.

Avoid known allergens or triggers such as chalk dust, pets, plants and volatile organic compounds. Whiteboards and flipcharts may be used with water-based markers as alternatives to chalkboards.

Avoid the use of perfume, after-shave, or other scented personal care products, such as cosmetics, hair sprays or gels.

Be aware that smoke-laden clothing may cause problems for some sensitive students. Air dry-cleaned clothing well before wearing. Use unscented laundry detergent and avoid all fabric softeners.

Avoid the use of materials that emit volatile organic compounds, such as solvent-based felt markers, certain art materials and typing correction fluid. Refer to The Safer Arts for alternative products.

Avoid the use of dittos and other solvent-based reproduction processes.

Seat sensitive students near a window for natural light and ventilation.

Avoid having plants, soil, terrariums, composters and vermicomposters, etc., inside the classroom.

Provide suitable textbooks: neither brand new because of off-gassing from ink, paper or glue nor too old because of molds, dust and mites.

Respect the need for alternative learning environments particularly for subjects such as chemistry, biology, computers, family studies, industrial arts and auto mechanics.