Environmental Hazards in Your School

Explorer’s Guild

Vicki Hanrahan Ainslie

November 2004

Common Environmental Hazards

Asbestos

Lead-based Paint

Lead in water

Mold

Pesticides

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral found in certain types of rock formation.It was a popular product in building materials because it

Is strongWill not burnResists corrosionInsulates well

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to serious health problems, usually in occupational settings.

Scarring of the lungCancer of the lung Cancer lining of the lung or abdomen (always fatal)

Where could you find asbestos in your school?In older schools, asbestos-containing material (ACM) may be present in

Ceiling tiles

Vinyl floor tile

Pipe insulation

Wall & ceiling insulation

Roofing material

Exposure to Asbestos

Most exposures in schools experienced by maintenance and mechanical workers

Newer schools may have ACM, it is not banned!

Asphalt roofing products, cement pipes, mastics

EPA requires the removal of most ACM before renovation/demolition of buildings.

LeadHazards of lead

Health effects most devastating to children < 6.Damages brain and nervous system leading to

• Reduced IQ• Reduced attention span• Behavioral problems• Impaired hearing

Routes of exposureInhalationIngestion

• Most children poisoned by lead in dust from deteriorating LBP

Lead-Based Paint (LBP)

Any surface painted before 1978 could be lead-based paint

Intact paint is not a hazardMaintain painted surfaces intact

Repair and repainted of LBP should be done by someone with proper training on lead-safe work practices

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead-containing materials used in older piping systems, drinking fountains.EPA has several restrictions on lead use in plumbing for drinking water.EPA recommends schools take action if samples from any drinking water source shows levels over 20 parts per billion (ppb).

Mold: ANCIENT ENEMY or Fact of Life

Existed for at least 400 million years; (remediation is described in the Bible…Leviticus Ch.14)

100,000+ species identified; 1,000 in U.SMinimal Growth Requirements

Water (humidity/damp OK)Food (any organic substance)

•typically is cellulose found in wood, ceiling tiles, drywall or carpets.

Appropriate Temp (40 and 100 Fahrenheit)Lack of ventilation

The word “mold” is derived from the old Old Norse word for “fuzzy.”

Health Effects of MoldMolds and other fungi may adversely affect human health through three processes:

allergy;infection; andtoxicity.

Most fungi generally are not pathogenic to healthy humans.Allergic responses are most commonly experienced as allergic asthma or “hay fever.”People with impaired immune function are at significant risk for more severe opportunistic fungal infection.  

Pesticides

EPA strongly encourages the use of Integrated Pest Management to reduce the amount and toxicity of pesticides used in homes and schools.

Many pesticides may be more harmful to children, and at lower doses, than they are to adults. Ninety percent of American homes use pesticides.

PesticidesThere is a strong likelihood that low-level chronic exposure adversely affects children's nervous systems, resulting in

lower cognitive functionbehavior disorders, andother subtle neurological problems.

Two of the most popular classes of insecticides used in the U.S. are designed as neurotoxins, poisoning the nervous systems of unwanted insects.

organophosphates and carbamates

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)http://www.healthhouse.org/iaq/IAQTest.aspIndoor chemical sourcesVentilation

Carbon dioxideTemperature/humidityMicrobial contamination

Contaminated outside airCarbon monoxide

RadonAll previous environmental issues can contribute to poor IAQ in any building.

IAQWhat can be done to control IAQ?

Reduce exposure from known sourcesEnsure adequate ventilationAir cleaning

Establish protocols for special school sources:

LaboratoriesDuplicating roomsIndustrial arts classesOther sources

Environmental Hazard Exercise

Let’s go to the Green Squad website:http://nrdc.org/greensquad/