Air monitoring data released from 3 US schools

Air monitoring data has been released from three of the 15 US schools that were selected as part of the US Environmental Protection Agency's national Schools Air Toxics Initiative.

The initiative is monitoring 63 educational establishments in 22 states in a bid to help the regions determine whether long-term exposure to toxics in outdoor air poses health concerns for children and staff.

Preliminary information collated at Lincoln Park Elementary School in Michigan, which teaches children from pre-kinder age to grade five, Minnesota International Middle Charter School in Minneapolis and Whitwell Elementary School in Ohio has been posted on the EPA's website.

The first results show that hazardous air pollutant levels at the three schools are well below those of short-term concern.

Outdoor air at each of the schools will be monitored for 60 days and air quality monitors will take at least ten samples each day during the testing period.

Written by Lauren Steadman