Toxic Air Pollution Near Schools

Does outdoor toxic air pollution from industry, motor vehicles and other sources pose health concerns to school children? As part of a national initiative to look into this concern, The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted air toxics monitoring at two Oregon schools. EPA identified these schools for monitoring along with 63 other schools nationwide.

EPA chose to monitor at the Toledo Elementary School in Toledo, representing a rural school located near a large industrial facility. Access EPA's website for the final report:

EPA Air Toxics Analysis report for Toledo Elementary School

EPA also chose to monitor at the Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women in Portland, representing a school in an urban environment. Access EPA's website for the final report:

EPA Air Toxics Analysis report for Harriet Tubman School

Based on the results of its initial monitoring at Harriet Tubman School, EPA will do follow-up monitoring to better understand the elevated levels of cadmium, identify the source(s) and characterize any potential exposure to the community.

For more information

• EPA: Assessing Outdoor Air Near Schools
• Fact sheet: Air Toxics Monitoring at Harriet Tubman Academy PDF
• Fact sheet: Air Toxics Monitoring at Toledo Elementary School PDF
• Portland Air Toxics Solutions
• What You Can Do to Reduce Air Pollution Near Schools

Contacts

• EPA: Madonna Narvaez, EPA Region 10, 206-553-2117
  (Information on schools being monitored)

• DEQ: Marcia Danab, Communications & Outreach, 503-229-5680

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