EPA to Monitor Hazardous Air Near Schools
The EPA has further committed to reducing toxic air pollution near schools, and monitoring should begin at some schools within the next 30 days.
On the whole, the emission of air toxins has dropped over 40 percent in the U.S. since 1990. The EPA wants to focus on air quality near schools in response to recent media reports that “raised critical questions” according to the Agency.
By making sure hazardous items are properly disposed of or recycled to help maintain clean air and water for kids. Photo: Sweden.se
“I’m a mother first, and like all parents, I want to be sure my children are breathing healthy air at school,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Our job is to protect the American public where they live, work and play—and that certainly includes protecting schoolchildren where they learn.”
The monitoring and enforcement will occur on a state and local level, under the direction of the EPA. Some states have already started monitoring air quality in schools.
Keeping Children Safe
The EPA has currently identified 188 hazardous pollutants, which can be released from cars, factories or even household cleaners. Exposure to the pollutants can occur by:
- Breathing contaminated air
- Eating food exposed to toxins (such as fish or fruits and vegetables)
- Drinking water that has been polluted
In addition, toxins such as lead, are more dangerous to children because it affects their growth. Children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damage that lead can cause. You can help contribute to cleaner air and water by properly disposing of household products, such as household cleaners and pesticides.
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Linda Amick
posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:26 am
In January I moved to Maysville, Ga. Directly across the street from Maysville Elementary School is a Chicken Feed Processing Plant owned by Wayne Farms LLC (a subsidiary of Continental Group, NY). The odor is awful and touching outdoor objects results in a residual or particulant getting on your hands.
I did some investigations and found that this plant has operated since 1999. From 1999 to 2005 the TRI Submission amounts were the same year over year at a total of 750. (The TRI Submissions are for Copper Compounds, Zinc Compounds and Manganese Compounds). In 2006, the last year for mandated TRI Submissions to the EPA they were 7500 for a 100 times increase over past years.
I have put my house on the market due to this contaminent affect on my person and my dogs. My dog had a litter of puppies and 3 out of 4 of them had birth defects.
I hate it that those school children have to attend school across the street from this awful place.
Linda Amick