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)

Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral found in certain types of rock formation.

It was a popular product in building materials because it Is strong Will not burn Resists corrosion Insulates well Exposure to asbestos has been linked to serious health problems,

usually in occupational settings.

Scarring of the lung Cancer 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.

Lead

Hazards 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 exposure Inhalation Ingestion • 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 hazard Maintain 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.S

Minimal Growth Requirements Water (humidity/damp OK) Food (any organic substance) •typically is cellulose found in wood, ceiling tiles, drywall or carpets.

Appropriate Temp ( 40  Lack of ventilation and 100  Fahrenheit ) The word “mold” is derived from the old Old Norse word for “fuzzy.”

Health Effects of Mold

Molds and other fungi may adversely affect human health through three processes: allergy; infection; and toxicity.

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.

Pesticides

There is a strong likelihood that low level chronic exposure adversely affects children's nervous systems, resulting in lower cognitive function behavior disorders, and other 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.asp

Indoor chemical sources Ventilation Carbon dioxide Temperature/humidity Microbial contamination Contaminated outside air Carbon monoxide Radon All previous environmental issues can contribute to poor IAQ in any building.

IAQ

What can be done to control IAQ?

Reduce exposure from known sources Ensure adequate ventilation Air cleaning Establish protocols for special school sources: Laboratories Duplicating rooms Industrial arts classes Other sources

Environmental Hazard Exercise

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