Elemantary School Air Tests Discover Benzene
Air monitoring by the county health department at the Sto-Rox Elementary School in Mckees Rocks, PA. has found measurable concentrations of benzene and toluene inside the school.
The monitoring was requested by the school in the wake of a USA today article which listed the air outside the school as some of the worst in the nation. According to that article, Sto-Rox Elementary is "the 28th worst school for toxic air pollution in the nation out of 128,000 schools."
The monitoring revealed that the air inside the school contained benzene levels several times higher than outdoor samples taken at the same time.
The Allegheny County Health Department told parents not to worry, the levels of toxins found were "fairly" low, and the study was only during a four day period.
As a parent myself, I would consider the above statement a slap in the face. The World Health Organization officially states that any exposure to benzene should be avoided whenever possible. Benzene is a highly carcinogenic organic solvent linked with several rare and debilitating blood disorders aplastic anemia and leukemia.
Local school district officials have declined interviews with the media and refer only to a statement on their website:
"Fresh air and air circulation may help dissipate the concentrations of these chemicals. In the short run, the district is stepping up ventilation in the elementary school immediately."
So far no mention has been made to the public as to the source of the contamination.
I checked out a local website and saw many posts from concerned parents saying their kids often complained of headaches and other sickness during and after school.
The health department has not yet set a date to begin a long term health assessment .
