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Sunday, January 15, 2012

CNN report: Are schools making children sick?

CNN has a video report on a school where parents are concerned that it is making their children sick.  One child had headaches which resolved after she left the New York school PS 51 in the Bronx.

Trichloroethylene was found at elevated levels in the school which was formerly a car repair shop and a factory.  The notification of the chemical was delayed.  Results were available from January and February tests in 2011 but were not disclosed to parents until six months later according the the New York Daily News.

This is link to the pdf provided by the NY City Department of Health on the school closure. The school construction authority provided additional information.

http://www.citylimits.org/news/articles/4500/leasing-rules-eyed-after-toxic-school-s-closure

Results are in micrograms per cubic meter. 

CAL OSHA is considering revising down its 8 hour PEL for occupational exposure to Trichloroethylene from the current 5ppm or 26.85 mg/M3.   Data showed headaches in workers at slightly above 1ppm.   To convert  ppm to millligrams per cubic meter of trichloroethylene: 1 ppm = 5.37 mg/m3.  Reference:US EPA

The CAL OSHA occupational limit is approximately 500 times higher than the level found in the school.  This limit would apply to the teachers but not the children.







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