Air toxics are of potential concern because exposure to high levels of these pollutants over many decades could result in long-term health effects. EPA selected schools after evaluating a number of factors including results from an EPA computer modeling analysis, the mix of pollution sources near the schools, results from an analysis conducted for a recent newspaper series on air toxics at schools, and information from state and local air pollution agencies.
The EPA's web site provides information on this initiative, the schools where we plan to begin monitoring, background information on air toxics, and links to other programs EPA has in place to protect communities and school environments. Please visit the EPA's site to find out more on this initiative at www.epa.gov/schoolair
'Our job is to protect the American public where they live, work and play – and that certainly includes protecting schoolchildren where they learn.' - EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson