Are Dangerous Air Contaminants near America’s Schools?

Special USA Today report highlights potential health risks and LA Testing laboratories is prepared to help.

A recent ‘special report’ conducted by USA Today regarding toxic contaminants found near our nation’s school systems caught many educators and parents by surprise. Potentially dangerous levels of numerous airborne chemicals were found from previous air monitoring reports that showed potential increased health risks for our children.

According to the newspaper “the report ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside. The report utilized emissions records filed by 20,000 industrial sites in 2005.” Among some of the more prevalent chemicals and compounds cited as being near Los Angeles area schools were:

• Hydrochloric acid
• Nickel and nickel compounds
• Mercury and mercury compounds
• Copper and copper compounds
• Sulfuric acid
• Chlorine
• Trimethylbenzene
• Manganese and manganese compounds
• Formaldehyde

All were detected utilizing various monitoring systems. LA Testing, the LA County Division of EMSL Analytical, Inc. is poised to assist both consultants and school districts that are developing a strategy to monitor potential emissions brought to light by the report in order to prevent unnecessary exposures to our children and faculty.

“As cited within the special report, USA Today indicated that there were three methods used to monitor the areas surrounding specific schools. LA Testing is pleased to be able to offer analysis of badges as well as active air monitors. In addition, in many cases we are able to provide the necessary equipment that can provide real-time monitoring and results,” stated Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for EMSL Analytical and LA Testing.

LA Testing operates laboratories in Los Alamitos and Pasadena, California. The laboratories are staffed with some of the industry’s most respected scientists who utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide analyses for environmental, industrial hygiene, air quality and other important testing services.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public.

To learn more about LA Testing or EMSL Analytical please visit:
www.LATesting.com or www.EMSL.com, contact LA Testing at (800)755-1794 or info@LATesting.com.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

Marketing Director

LA Testing

Contact via E-mail