HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06161998 - SD4 rr�. � _
TO: BOARD OF SUPEM ISORS � `t'
C
ontra
Supervisor Donna Gerber �
Costa
O1►7F: June 16, 1998 .�
Coin
*UEJtrr: School Haze: Air Pollution Near California Schools
*nCiFIC RIOU98T(s OA R1COMMMititDAn0%(*)a=0VND AND JUSTWICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider report from the Environmental Working Group entitled"School Haze: Air Pollution
Near California Schools"and refer the report to the Family and Human Services Committee for
review and recommendation to the Board.
BACKGROUND:
In a report to be released on June 16, 1998,the Environmental Working Group(EWG)reports
that more than 245 million pounds of industrial air pollution were emitted near California
schools in 1995. Based upon federal and state data, EWG also reports that half of the state's
students attended a public or private school within one mile of a reported source of airborne
emissions of chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, developmental damage or respiratory
illness.
Among the findings of the report include a list of the 50 schools most exposed to nitrogen
oxides, sulfur dioxide, and other particulates emitted in air within a mile of the schools. The list
indicates that the top eight schools are in Contra Costa County, five of which are in Martinez.
f,
CW MN17ED ON ATTACHMMANY:
-MMEcOhtMMENDATMON OF eouw T Aomite*T*ATQA ..«....MMECOmmlNDATMON OF MMOARD COMMAtTTEMI
.....�AMHfMMOVE «,».....OTHER a
ACT"OF HOARD ON JUICE 16" 178�...,.�........�. APOROM At MMECOMiMMiME oto....._. OTHER...,....
ACCEPTED the report; REFERRED the report to the f)ublic .and Environmental Health
Advisory Board (PEHAB) , the Hazardous Materials Commision, and the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District (BAAQMD) for their consideration; FORMED an Ad Hoc
Committee comprised of Supervisors Ui.lkema and Rogers; DIRECTED t�Idt PEH.AB, the
Hazardous Materials Commission, and BAAQMD provide input to the Ad Hoc Committee; and
FURTHER DIRECTED the Ad Hoc Committee to report on this matter to the Board by
September 1, 1998.
VOTE OF SUPERY}MMORMt
X M HERSEY CM"FY THAT Testi It A TRUE
-UkAMMttOUS(A!t[NT ti AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AM' MMOE; AND ShMIRED ON THE MAtNt MS(W THE#*A*D
ASSENT: Ait TA1N _ ..�,_ Of SUPEM;;tL9AT0+H11LCft,
THE 0411 SHOW
0* Supervisor Gerber AT721M ci
Supervisor De 5aulnier CLERKOFTIMENOAADOF
Sara Hoffman MMUPMWAS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Claude Van .Master
1A382 (fiWb93 fsY a DEi'txTX
RECEIVED'
a 6
l4Tf#A COSTA CO. 0.
SC, H, : :O �O L. H A.,
AIR POLLUTION KEARCALIFO
RKIA SCHOOLS
Bill Walker
Marshall Hendricks
E N V.t R O N M E N T A L
WOR K i N.:.G.. GR-OU.P" ..
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Molly Evans who designed and produced this report. Thanks also to Chris
Campbell, Ed Hopkins and Richard Wiles of EWG;and Patty Clary,Bonnie Holmes-Gen,Geoff
Land, Denny Larson, Pete Price, Teresa Schilling and Andy Weisser for their insight and
assistance.
Cover:In a park adjacent to St. Peter the Martyr School in Pittsburg, CA, children play in
the shadow of a PG&E plant. Photo illustration by Bill Goidell/Photovault, San Francisco.
School Daze was made possible by grants from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund,The
Gap Foundation, the W. Alton Jones Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and. Working, Assets
Funding Service. The opinions expressed. in this report are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of these supporters. Environmental Working Group is responsible
for any errors of fact or interpretation contained in this report.
Copyright 0 June 1998 by the Environmental Working Group/The Tides Center. All rights
reserved.Manufactured in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper.
Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group its a nonprofit environmental research organization with
offices in Washington,D.C.and San Francisco.The Environmental Working Group is a project of
the Tides Center, a California Public Benefit Corporation based in San Francisco that provides
administrative and program support services to nonprofit programs and projects.
Kenneth A. Cook,President
Richard Wiles.., Vice President for Research
Edward Hopkins,Vice President for Programs
Bill Walker, California Director
To order a copy
Copies of this report may be ordered from the Washington office for$20.00 each (plus 6%
sales tax or$.60 for D.C. residents) and$3.00 for postage and handling. Checks payable to
Environmental Working Group must accompany all orders.
Environmental Working Group EWG California
1718 Connecticut Ave.NW,Suite 6010 ' P.Q. Box 29201,The Presidio
Washington,DC 20009 San Francisco,CA 94129
Tel. (202)667-6982 J Fax(202)232-2592 Tel.(415)561-6698/ Fax(415)563-6696
info@ewg.org bwalker@ewg.org
www.ewg.org
This report and many other EWG publications are available on the World Wide Web at
www.ewg.org.
..........
School Haze
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................ 1
CHAPTER 1. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROVIDE IVO SPECIFIC
SAFEGUARDS FOR CHILDREN ................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2. EXISTING AIR POLLUTION MONITORS
MISSMOST AT-RISK KIDS ..................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 3. FINDINGS ....................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................... 19
CHAPTER 5. METHODOLOGY............................................................... 21
REFERENCES ...................................................................................... 22
......... ........_...... .._.. ....................... ..._..... ........... ................._...._..... ....._._....._.._
School
Executive Summary
More than 245 million pounds ported air emissions is available Half of the state's
of industrial air pollution were on the Internet at www.ewg.org/ schoolchildren
emitted near California schools @risk.) attended class within a
in 1995, according to the most mile of reported air
recent available state and federal The EWG study reports for the emissions of chemicals
data analyzed by Environmental first time all industrial toxic air known to cause
Working Group (EWG). Fully emissions within a mile of Cali- cancer, reproductive
half of the state's schoolchildren, fornia schools. It used computer damage, develop-
in public and private schools, software to plot the proximity of mental disabilities or
attended class within a mile of schools to stationary sources of respiratory illness.
reported air emissions of chemi- air pollution (factories, dumps
cals known to cause cancer, re- and other facilities). It does not
productive damage, develop- include exposure to automobile
mental disabilities or respiratory exhaust or airborne pesticides.
illness.
EWG's analysis found:
Official attendance figures
and air pollution databases indi- • Schools are located near
cate that more than 2.8 million the biggest air polluters in
California children were enrolled California. In four of the six
in 4,293 schools located within categories of pollutant, the
one mile of an industrial emitter single largest emitter in the
of airborne carcinogens, repro- state was within a mile of
ductive toxins, heavy metals, one or more schools. (Table
nitrogen oxides (NO,), sulfur 3.) Eighteen different
dioxide (SO2) or particulate mat- schools, with a combined
ter (PM). (Tables 1 and 2.) These enrollment of more than
children represented just over 50 10,000 children, were
percent of the total enrollment in within one mile of the
the approximately 9,700 public state's leading industrial
and private schools in California. emitters of carcinogens, re-
Yet very few children — about productive toxins, heavy
one in 25 ---- attended schools metals or nitrogen oxides.
covered by the existing network
of air pollution monitors. (The California fails to ad-
complete list of California equately monitor air pollu-
schools within one mile of re- tion near schools. The exist-
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 1
Table 1. Combined amounts of carcinogens, reproductive toxins and heavy metals emitted in
air within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in 1995.
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted
Total Percent within 1 mile Largest Source by largest source
Rank School City Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (199s) -
1 St.John The Baptist Catholic Milpitas 326 N/A 844,134 Quebecor Printing San Jose Inc 838,045
2 Zanker(Pearl)Elementary Milpitas 435 71% 842,704 Quebecor Printing San Jose Inc. 838,045
3 Orange Christian Orange 125 N/A 657,754 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
4 Rio Vista Elementary Anaheim 1,335 80% 471,284 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
5 Kindercare Anaheim 20 WA 471,284 Casco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
6 Sunkist Elementary Anaheim 1,051 81% 471,284 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
7 St.Leonard Elem. Fremont 300 N/A 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
8 Calvary Baptist Fremont 31 N/A 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
9 Hopkins(William)Junior High Fremont 1,076 48% 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
10 Horner(John M.)Junior High Fremont 940 411% 381,425 ! New United Motor Mfg.Int. 380,425
11 Hirsch(O.N.)Elementary Fremont 422 40% 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
12 Mission Valley Elementary Fremont 578 45% 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. ! 380,425
13 Durham 0.Haley)Elementary ! Fremont 567 531/1, 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
14 Green(Harvey)Elementary Fremont 475 40% 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
15 Irvington High Fremont 1,533 37% 381,425 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 380,425
16 Miramonte Elementary Los Angeles 1,926 1001 374,506 Weslock Natl,Inc. 211,900 '
17 Jefferson Middle Torrance 562 42% 359,060 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. i 233,491
18 Madrona Middle Torrance 676 47% 358,560 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
19 Anza Elementary Torrance 576 33% 357,931 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
20 South Say Junior Academy Torrance 165 N/A 357,431 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491 I
21 St.James Elem. Torrance 305 N/A 357,431 1 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
22 Bishop Montgomery High Torrance 1,494 N/A 357,431 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
23 Victor Elementary Torrance 955 54% 357,431 I Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
24 Lynn(Ben M.)Middle Torrance 660 53% 357,431 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
25 West High Torrance 1,918 55% 357,431 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
26 Anaheim High Anaheim 2,054 93% 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
27 Grace Lutheran Parish Elem. Anaheim 56 N/A 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
28 Zion Lutheran Elem. Anaheim 359 WA 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
29 St.Catherine's Military Anaheim 169 N/A 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
30 5t.Boniface Anaheim 291 WA 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
31 Jefferson Elementary Anaheim 903 95% 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
32 Franklin Elementary Anaheim 906 93% 355,258 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
33 Mckinley Avenue Elementary Los Angeles 851 1001% 321,920 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,900
34 St.Malachy Catholic Elem. Los Angeles 258 N/A 321,870 Weslock Nati.Inc. 211,900
35 Miracle Baptist Christian Los Angeles 274 N/A 321,870 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,900 -
36 Parmelee Avenue Elementary ! Los Angeles 1,342 100% 321,870 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,900
37 Edison(Thomas A.)Junior High Las Angeles 2,702 100% 320,927 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,900
38 Graham Elementary Los Angeles 1,119 100% 265,479 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,900
39 Optimal Christian Academy Middle Compton 20 N/A 261,811 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
40 Christian Foundation Elem.,Inc. Compton 82 N/A 261,811 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
41 First Christian Day Of Compton Compton 125 WA 261,811 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
42 Optimal Christian Academy Compton 288 N/A 261,811 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
43 Roosevelt Middle Compton 857 100% i 261,811 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
44 Emerson Elementary Compton 667 99% 261,811 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
45 McNair Christian Academy Compton 54 NIA 261,541 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
46 Revival Time Christian Academy Compton 56 WA 261,541 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
47 j Roosevelt Elementary Compton 1,119 100% 261,541 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
48 Kelly Elementary Compton 1,063 100% 261,541 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
49 Dominguez High Compton 1,760 100% 260,109 American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant 1 223,165
50 Drew(Charles)Junior High Los Angeles 2,087 100% 224,713 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,900
Source: Environmental Working Group. Compiled from U.S. EPA Toxics Release inventory and the California Department of
Education.
ing network of 189 state within one mile of re-
monitors - electronic in- ported emissions of air pol-
struments that measure am- lution, but not within a
bient air quality - misses mile of a monitor.
the great majority of schools
where proximity to known • Some schools are in areas
pollution sources puts stu- where large amounts of
dents at increased risk of multiple types of toxins are
exposure to air pollution. In emitted. This is certainly
1995, more than 2.7 million no fault of the school dis-
California children attended tricts, but underscores the
schools that were located range of pollutants to
2 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
Table 2. Combined amounts of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and other particulates emitted in
air within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in 1995.
I
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted
Total Percent within t mile Largest Source by largest source
Rank School City Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (1995)
1 j St.Catherine Of Siena Elem. Martinez 270 N/A 17,157,600 Tosco Corp.Avon Refinery 16,356,000
2 1 Alhambra Senior High Martinez 1,064 24% 16,360,200 Tosco Corp,Avon Refinery 16,356,000
3 Martinez Christian School,Inc. Martinez 26 N/A 14,871,800 Shelf Martinez Refining 14,808,600
4 Las juntas Elementary Martinez 374 32% 14,871,800 Shell Maninez Refining 14,608,600
5 Morello Park Elementary Martinez 500 17% 14,812,400 Shell Martinez Refining 14,808,600
6 Turner Elementary Antioch 695 47% 14,049,800 Pacific Gas&Electric Co. 14,042,200
7 St.Patrick's Hem. Rodeo 283 N/A 9,283,400 Unocal Corp. 4,667,600
8 Hillcrest Elementary ! Rodeo 990 52% 9,283,400 Unocal Corp, 4,667,600
9 Holy Family Hem. Wilmington ! 226 N/A 8,455,400 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
10 Banning(Phineas)Senior High Wilmington 3,267 97% 8,390,600 Texaco Ref,&Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
11 Gulf Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,258 97% 8,356,800 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
12 First Baptist Christian Wilmington i 37 N/A ! 8,355,800 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
13 Fries Avenue Elementary Wilmington I 1,277 98% 8,355,800 Texaco Ref.&.Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
14 Carnegie(Andrew)Junior Hgih ! Carson 1,315 94% 8,203,000 Arco Products Co. 7,847,800
15 Bonita Street Elementary Carson 635 91% 8,203,000 Arco Products Co. 7,847,800
16 Carson Senior High Carson 2,999 94% 8,201,200 Arco Products Co. 7,847,800
17 Dolores Street Elementary Carson 824 94% 8,195,600 Arco Products Co. 7,847,800
18 Carson Street Elementary Carson 826 92% 8,191,200 Arco Products Co. 7,847,800
19 Shery(Kurt T.)High(cont. Torrance 179 47% 8,110,000 Mobil Oil Corporation 8,053,400
20 Fern Elementary Torrance 514 44% 8,084,400 Mobil Oil Corporation 8,053,400
21 Nativity Hem. Torrance 294 N/A 8,076,200 Mobil Oil Corporation 8,053,400
22 Torrance High Torrance 1,831 53% 8,076,200 Mobil Oil Corporation 8,053,400
23 Torrance Elementary Torrance 567 61% 8,070,600 Mobil Oil Corporation 8,053,400
24 St.Philomena Elem. Carson 310 N/A 8,033,600 Arco Products Co. 7,847,800
25 St.Anthony Hem. EI Segundo 275 N/A 7,133,400 Chevron USA Inc 7,109,200
26 Center Street Elementary EI Segundo 1,079 25% 7,133,400 Chevron USA Inc 7,109,200
27 Arena High(Cont. EI Segundo 44 32% 7,133,400 Chevron USA Inc 7,109,200
28 I EI Segundo Middle EI Segundo 577 25% 7,113,800 Chevron USA Inc 7,109,200
29 j 8 Segundo High EI Segundo 771 30% 7,113,800 Chevron USA Inc 7,109,200
30 Coastal Christian Arroyo Grande 60 N/A 6,960,200 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,633,000
31 valley View Adventist Academy Arroyo Grande 101 N/A 6,960,200 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,633,000
32 St.Patrick's Parochial Elem. Arroyo Grande 294 1 N/A 6,960,200 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,633,000
33 Paulding(Ruth)Middle Arroyo Grande 539 22% 6,960,200 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,633,000
34 Lopez Continuation High Arroyo Grande 190 41% 6,960,200 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,633,000
35 j Visitation Elem. Los Angeles 293 N/A 6,418,400 LAX Airport 6,332,800
36 Loma Elementary South EI Monte 321 99% 5,984,600 So.Cal,Edison Co. 5,948,200
37 Potrero Heights Elementary South San Gabriel 494 93% 5,975,000 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,948,200
38 Temple(Roger W.)Intermediate Rosemead 495 98% 5,964,000 So.Cat.Edison Co. 5,948,200
39 Sanchez(George 1.)Elementary Rosemead 559 97% 5,964,000 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,948,200
40 Rice(Eldridge)Elementary Rosemead 726 96% 5,963,200 So.Cal.Edison Co. i 5,948,200
41 Hawaiian Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,235 99% 51515,600 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
42 Pacific Harbor Christian Wilmington 184 N/A 5,512,600 Texaco Ref,&Marketing Inc. 4,146,200
43 Needles Middle Needles 289 34% 5,511,200 Southern California Gas Co 2,781,400
44 Vista Colorado Elementary Needles 336 401/6 5,511,200 Southern California Gas Co 2,781,400
45 Needles Senior High Needles 365 35% 5,511,200 Southern California Gas Co1 2,781,400
46 Del Mar Elementary Morro Bay 278 23% 5,400,800 PG&E-Morro Bay 5,400,800
47 Joshua Middle Mojave 233 42% 5,217,200 Cal.Portland Cement Co. 5,217,200
48 Stevens Creek Elementary Cupertino 582 31% 4,531,000 Kaiser Cement Corporation 4,531,000
49 Oasis Continuation High Kingsburg 46 63% 3,580,800 Guardian industries Corp. 3,498,200
50 Kingsburg High Kingsburg 952 44% 3,580,800 Guardian industriesCorp. 3,498,200
Source: Environmental Working Group. Compiled from U.S. EPA AIRS database and California Department of Education.
which children may be ex- emitted nearby. Similarly,
posed. For example, five two schools in Martinez
schools in Carson were were at the top of the list
near the top of the list of for exposure to NOX, SO2
schools where total indus- and PM; the same schools
trial emissions of NOX, SO2 were among those in prox-
and PM were highest imity to the highest
within one mile; these amounts of carcinogens,
same five schools had reproductive toxins and
among the highest levels of heavy metals. These pat-
carcinogens, reproductive terns are of particular con-
toxins and heavy metals cern because most existing
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GRoup 3
...................................................................................................................
........................................................-
Table 3. Largest emitters in California of air pollutants by category, 1995.
1
1 Pounds emitted
Largest Source by largest source Schools School
Category (1995) City (1995) within I mile enrollment
Heavy Metals American Racing Equipment Inc.Plant I Rancho Dominguez 223,165 11 6,091
Carcinogens Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. Anaheim 447,700 4 2,531
Reproductive Toxins Quebecor Printing San Jose Inc. San Jose 838,045 2 761
Particulate Matter US Army
Fort Irwin 56,259,800
so, Exxon Corporation Benicia 12,172,400
NOx Pacific Gas&Electric Co. Pittsburg 12,601,600 1 695
Total 18 10,078
Source: Environmental Working Group, Compiled from U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory and AIRS databases, and
California Department of Education.
Non-Anglo children state and federal environ- pollutant, Catholic schools,
are more likely to mental health standards are Protestant Christian acad-
attend school in areas based on supposedly safe emies and other private
with dirty air. levels of exposure to indi- schools were among the
vidual chemicals, but not to top one percent of cam-
a combination of toxins. puses in terms of proximity
to the largest amounts of
• Potential exposure to air emissions. Considering this
pollution at school falls dis- finding along with the geo-
proportionately on children graphic reach and diversity
of color. Demographic data of air pollution, it is clear
for the 50 public schools that potential exposure to
near the highest amounts of pollutants at school should
carcinogens, reproductive be of concern to all Cali-
toxins and heavy metals fornians — not just those
show that 76 percent of stu- whose children attend
dents were non-Anglo in school in areas where pol-
1995. Enrollment at the 50 lution problems are well-
public schools near the known.
largest sources of NOXI SO2
and PM was 71 percent • Air pollution near schools
non-Anglo. Currently, 61.2 reaches almost everywhere
percent of students in in California. Few parts of
California's public schools the state are so isolated
are non-Anglo. (The state that some children did not
does not collect ethnicity attend school within one
data for private schools.) mile of a reported emitter
of air pollution. Among the
• Sending children to private small or semi-rural towns
schools doesn't guarantee where schools were
protection from air pollu- ranked in the top five per-
tion. In every category of cent for proximity to vari-
4 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
...........
ous categories of pollutants Of heavy metals. Eleven of Even schools in small,
were Needles and Mojave the top 15 schools near the isolated towns are
in the Southern California largest emissions of repro- near large sources of
desert; Anderson and ductive toxins were in the air pollution.
Orovilie among the forests Alameda County cities of
of Northern California; Ar- Milpitas or Fremont. For
royo Grande on the Central proximity to the largest NOX
Coast; and Kingsburg and and SO2 emissions, schools
Lebec in the agricultural in the industrial areas of
Central Valley, Contra Costa and Los Ange-
les counties predominated.
• Air pollution problems near But a group of schools in
schools vary widely by re- San Luis Obispo County
gion, and within metropoli- were also among the high-
tan areas. Nine schools in est for proximity to the larg-
Orange County were at the est emissions of SO2. A San
top of the list of schools for Diego high school ranked
proximity to the largest highest for proximity to
emissions of carcinogens; emissions of particulate pol-
nearby, in adjacent Los An- lution, and six schools in
geles County, 11 schools in the city of Santa Clara also
Compton ranked highest were high on that list.
for proximity to emissions
ENVIRONMENTAL 'WORKING GROUP 5
.. .. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
6 SCHOOL HAZE AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
_._...... ......... ......... ......... ......... ....__.._...__
_ _ ........ ....................... ........ .._... ..._...... ................................
Chapter I
Current Regulations Provide No
Specific Safeguards for Children
Both California and federal air their behavior — such as California has no
pollution standards are currently crawling on the ground or guidelines to measure
based on exposure limits neces- the floor ------ exposes them or regulate pollution's
sary to protect the average adult to different environmental effect on children.
in the population. But a growing hazards." (EPA 1996.)
body of evidence shows that
these standards can be inad- One month after that .EPA re-
equate to protect children. In port, an advisory committee of
September 1996, the U.S. Envi- the California Environmental Pro-
ronmental Protection Agency tection Agency (Cal-EPA) re-
(EPA) reported, "Children are ported that although the state is
particularly at risk from environ- "ahead of U.S. EPA in consider-
mental hazards in three ways: ing environmental threats to sen-
sitive populations," including in-
• Because children's systems fants and children, "Cal-EPA does
are still developing — in- not have guidelines or any estab-
cluding rapid changes in lished written procedures to as-
growth and development, sess effects on sensitive popula-
immature body organs and tions. . . . Current test methods
tissues, and weaker im- are inadequate to identify sensi-
mune systems in infancy tive populations." (Cal-EPA 1996.)
— they are more suscep-
tible to environmental The exposure of California
threats. children to pollution and whether
the state's environmental stan-
• Because children eat pro- dards are adequate to protect
portionately more food, them is currently under investiga-
drink more fluids and tion by the Legislature. A special
breathe more air per Assembly-Senate conference
pound of body weight, and committee is considering AB 278,
because they play outside the Children's Environmental
more, they are more ex- Health Protection Act, a bill pro-
posed to environmental posed by Assemblymember
threats. Martha Escutia of Huntington
Park. The bill requires that all
• Because children are least new public health standards for
able to protect themselves, ambient air quality, toxic air con-
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 7
............................................................................................I.......................................................................................................................
taminants and drinking water, the California Manufacturers As-
and existing standards as they sociation and the Western States
come up for re-evaluation, must Petroleum Association, who
be set at levels adequate to pro- mounted a campaign attacking
tect infants and children, it would the bill as a "job-killer." (Benson
also provide funding for addi- 1997.) It failed to gain final ap-
tional air pollution monitors near proval when several Assembly
schools. (Escutia 1998.) U.S. Sen. members who had originally
Barbara Boxer of California has supported the bill switched their
proposed similar legislation at the votes after lobbying by
federal level. agribusiness and pesticide inter-
ests — despite the fact that AB
During the 1997 legislative 278 exempts agricultural pollu-
session, AB 278 initially passed tion from its provisions. (Smith
both the Assembly and the State 1997.) The bill was held over to
Senate with bipartisan support — the 1998 session, and the confer-
over the opposition of the Cali- ence committee began holding
fornia Chamber of Commerce, hearings in February.
8 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
..........
Existing Air Pollution Monitors
Miss Most At- tisk Kids
In June 1997, EWG released and far between, so many schools Current air monitors
an analysis that listed the Califor- near a significant source of pollu- cover only a handful
nia schools in areas of heaviest tion were not counted. Also, of schools near
particulate air pollution. those data measured pollution at sources of pollution.
(100 000 California Kids the site of the monitors, which
Breathe Unhealthy Air at includes emissions from automo-
School.) Particulate matter (PM) biles as well as site-specific indus-
is airborne pollution composed trial emissions.
of microscopic particles of toxic
substances, so tiny they can pen- Most schools that ranked high-
etrate deep into the lungs. This est when measured by proximity
previous analysis found that ap- to PM monitors do not appear on
proximately 109,000 children the current list of schools near
attended one of the 147 schools industrial air emissions. This in no
within one mile of air pollution way suggests that schools near
monitors where PM levels ex- big polluters somehow escape
ceeded new standards proposed, exposure to dirty air. Rather, it is
and since adopted, by the U.S. an indication of the inadequacies
EPA. (EWG 1997.) According to of the current monitoring net-
the EPA, the new.PM standards work, and of the fact that air pol-
will prevent an estimated 35,000 lution data are not available from
premature deaths in the U.S. one comprehensive source. In
each year — 2,500 of them in the case of Calexico, measure-
California. (EPA 1997.) ments by air monitors can include
pollutants drifting across the bor-
In the earlier analysis, mea- der from Mexico, but direct dis-
sured by proximity to the high- charges from Mexican facilities
est PM levels, schools in are not included in U.S. or Cali-
Calexico, Riverside, Bakersfield, fornia industrial emissions data-
Burbank and Fresno were po- bases. The other schools ranked
tentially most exposed. The highly on the earlier list were in
study was limited, however, by the Los Angeles metropolitan area
using data only from PM moni- or the Central Valley — regions
tors. There are 189 PM monitors where automobile exhaust gro-
in California. Given the size of duces elevated levels of air pollu-
the state and the reach of air tion that do not show up in in-
pollution, this is relatively few dustrial emissions databases.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 9
...............
...................................................................................
This new analysis shifts the Another limitation of measur-
focus from the streets to the ing potentially at-risk children by
smokestacks, and finds that the using only PM monitoring data is
number of California children this method's failure to consider
attending school within one mile the full range of pollutants that
of reported sources of air pollu- foul California's air. These in-
tion is more than 25 times higher clude not only PM but NOX and
than the number suggested by S02, which are "precursor"
data from the monitors alone. In chemicals that lead to the forma-
other words, the current system tion of particulates, and on their
of monitors accounts for only own can cause or exacerbate
four percent of the number of respiratory illness; plus carcino-
California children at increased gens, reproductive toxins and
risk of breathing unhealthy air at heavy metals.
school.
10 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
.................... .... ............
Chapter 3
Findings
EWG's analysis determined all largest polluters in Califor-
California schools near reported nia for each category of
releases of six different types of pollutant in 1995, and the
air pollution: carcinogens, heavy number of schools within
metals, reproductive toxins, par- one mile. Even though
ticulate matter (PM), nitrogen Quebecor reported emitting
oxides (NO,) and sulfur dioxide no carcinogens or heavy
(SO2). These pollutants may be metals, it emitted enough
conveniently combined into two reproductive toxins to also
broader categories: rank as the largest emitter
of the three TRI categories
• Toxics Release Inventory combined.)
(Table 1): The U.S. EPA's
Toxics Release inventory Particulates and particulate
(TRI) reports emissions of precursors (Table 2): Cal-
carcinogens, heavy metals EPA's Emissions Inventory
and reproductive toxins. database reports emissions
Table 1 shows the 50 Cali- of particulate matter, nitro-
forma schools within 1 gen oxides and sulfur diox-
mile of the combined larg- ides, which can be grouped
est sources of these pollut- together as particulates and
ants. Two schools in particulate precursors (PI
Milpitas — St. John the PP). Table 2 shows the 50
Baptist Catholic and California schools within 1
Zanker Elementary — mile of the combined larg-
ranked highest, with more est sources of PM, NOX and
than 840,000 pounds of SO2. The school most at risk
carcinogens, reproductive was St. Catherine of Siena
toxins or heavy metals Elementary in Martinez,
emitted within one mile of with more than 17 million
each school. Nearly all of pounds of PIPP emissions
the pollution was emitted within 1 mile. Almost all of
by Quebecor Printing of the pollutants were from
San Jose, which was the Tosco Oil Corp.'s Avon Re-
largest emitter of reproduc- finery. The next four
tive toxins in California in schools were also in
1995. (Table 3 lists the Martinez, all affected by a
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 1
.. _. _.... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ...... _.. _
..... ......... ......... .........
................................ _
Table 4. Carcinogens emitted in air within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in
1995.
Pounds emitted I Pounds emitted
Total Percent within 1 mile Largest Source by largest source -
Rank School City Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (1995)
1 Orange Christian Orange 125 N/A 626,634 Lascn Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
2 Rin Vista Elementary Anaheim 1,335 801% 470,774 Lasco Bathware Div,Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
3 Kindercare Anaheim 20 N/A 470,774 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind, 447,700
4 Sunkist Elementary Anaheim 1,051 811% 470,774 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
5 Anaheim High Anaheim 2,054 ! 93% 313,751 Xerxes Corp. 765,350
6 Grace Lutheran Parish Elem. Anaheim 56 N/A 313,751 Xerxes Corp, 165,350
7 Zion Lutheran Elem. Anaheim 359 N/A :313,751 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
8 St.Catherine's Military Anaheim 169 N/A 313,751 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
9 St.Boniface Anaheim 291 N/A 313,751 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
10 Jefferson Elementary Anaheim 903 95% 313,751 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
11 Franklin Elementary Anaheim 906 93% 313,751 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
12 Miramonte Elementary Los Angeles 1,926 100% 253,080 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
13 Mckinley Avenue Elementary Los Angeles 851 100% 253,072 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
14 St.Malachy Catholic Elem. Los Angeles 258 N/A 253,070 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
15 Miracle Baptist Christian Los Angeles 274 N/A 253,070 Weslock Natl.Inc. 211,650
16 Parmelee Avenue Elementary Los Angeles 1,342 100% 253,070 Weslock Nat).Inc. 211,650
17 Edison(Thomas A.)Junior High Los Angeles 2,702 100% 253,060 Weslock Nad.Inc. 211,650
18 Drew(Charles)Junior High Los Angeles 2,087 100% 223,020 Weslock NatL Inc. 211,650
19 Russell Elementary Los Angeles 1 1,210 100% 223,020 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
20 Graham Elementary Los Angeles 1,119 10oo/ 211,670 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
21 St.Michael's Elem, Los Angeles 279 N/A 211,660 Weslock Nall.Inc 211,650
22 South Park Elementary ( Los Angeles 1,090 100% 211,652 j Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
23 1 Fremont(John C.)Senior High Los Angeles 4,178 1001% 211,652 Weslock Nall.Inc. 211,650
24 Mann Elementary Anaheim 847 92% ( 187,059 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
25 Lincoln Elementary Anaheim 1,002 96% 186,908 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
26 Arroyo Seco Junior High Valencia 1,221 9% 162,656 Polycatbon lnc. 162,656
27 Santa Ctarita Elementary Saugus 586 23% 162,656 Polycarbon Inc. 162,656
28 Covenant Christian Orange 300 N/A 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
29 Independence Christian Orange 205 N/A 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
30 St.Paul's Lutheran Orange 373 N/A 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
31 Southern California Christian Schools Orange 201 N/A 155,860 Aernchem Inc. 155,350
32 Lutheran High Of Orange County Orange 595 N/A 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
33 Children's House Christian Orange 24 N/A 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
34 Taft Elementary Orange 896 43% 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
35 Fletcher Elementary Orange 714 38% 155,860 Aerochem Inc. 155,350
36 Norwalk Christian Norwalk 140 N/A 141,536 Lefiell Mfg,Co. 102,194
37 St.Pius X Elem. Santa Fe Springs 346 N/A 141,536 Lefiell Mfg.Co. 102,194
38 Lakeview Elementary Santa Fe Springs 551 75% 141,536 Lefiell Mfg.Co. 102,194
39. Lake Center Elementary Santa Fe Springs 535 84% 141,536 Lefiell Mfg.Co. 102,194
40 Lakeland Elementary Norwalk 494 90% 136,429 Lefiell Mfg,Co. 102,194
41 OrovilleHigh Oroville 1,003 30% 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
42 St.Thomas Catholic Oroville 111 WA 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
43 Wyandotte Avenue Elementary Oroville 729 58% 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
44 Stanford Avenue Elementary Oroville 566 20% 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
45 1 Central Middle Oroville 757. 29% 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
46 Bird Street Elementary Oroville 276 20% 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
47 ( Altemative/Opportunity Oroville 306 5% 134,109 Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 134,109
48 1 Ross Elementary Anaheim 715 83% 126,843 Kwikset Corp. 126,843
49 Jefferson Middle Torrance 562 42% 125,042 Dow Chemical Co. 123,940
50 Madrona Middle Torrance 676 47% 124,542 Dow Chemical Co. 123,940
Source. Environmental Working Group. Compiled from U.S. EPA Toxics Release inventory and California Department of
Education.
single source, the Shell Carcinogens (Table 4): Or
Martinez Refinery. The Tosca ange Christian School
refinery was the third-largest ranked highest for proxim-
combined emitter of PIPP ity to sources of cancer-
pollution in the state, the causing chemicals, with
Shell refinery was the fourth- more than 70 percent com-
largest. ing from the Lasco
Bathware Division of
On their own, each of the pol- Tomkins Industries in the
lutants included in these combined city of Orange. Lasco, a
measurements is also an indicator maker of bathtubs and
of increased health risks. shower stalls, was the lead-
12 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
........ ......... ......... ......... __....... ......... ................................
....... ......... ........... ._......._. ......._. ......._............._... ........._....._........_.. ...._....... ..._..._......._
Table 5. Reproductive toxins emitted in air within 1 mite of the 50 most exposed California
schools in 1995.
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted
Total Percent within 1 mite Largest Source by largest source
Rank school City Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (1995)
1 St.John The Baptist CatholicM)Ipitas 326 N/A 844,129 Quebecor Printing San Jose Inc. 838,045
2 Zanker(Pearl)Elementary Milpitas 435 I 71% 842,704 Quebecor Printing San lose Inc. 838,045
3 Orange Christian Orange 125 N/A ! 499,365 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
4 Rio Vista Elementary Anaheim 1,335 80% 470,765 Lasco Bathware Div.Of:Tomkins Ind. 447,700
5 Kindercare Anaheim 20 N/A 470,765 Lasco Bathware Div.Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
6 Sunkist Elementary Anaheim 1,051 81% 470,765 Lasco Bathware Div,Of Tomkins Ind. 447,700
7 5t.Leonard Clem. Fremont 300 N/A 379,925 New United Motor Mfg..Inc. 379,925
8 Calvary Baptist Fremont 31 N/A 379,925 New United Motor Mfg.:Inc. 379,925
9 Hopkins(William)Junior High Fremont 1,076 48% 379,925 New United Motor Mfg,:Inc. 379,925
10 Horner Oohn M.;Jun1rn High ! Fremont 940 41% 379,925 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 379,925
11 Hirsch(O.N.)Elementary Fremont 422 40% 375,925 New United Motor Mfg.Inc. 379,925
12 Mission Valley Elementary Fremont 578 45% 379,925 New United Motor Mfg.:Inc. 379,925
13 Durham(J.Hatey)Elementary Fremont 567 53% 379,925 New United Motor Mfg..Inc. 379,925
14 j Green(Harvey)Elementary Fremont 475 40% 379,925 New United Motor Mfg..Inc. 379,925
15 Irvington High Fremont 1,533 37% 379,925 New United Motor Mfg..Inc. 379,925
16 Optimal Christian Academy Middle Compton 20 N/A 260,983 !. American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
17 McNair Christian Academy Compton 54 N/A 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc 223,165
18 Revival Time Christian Academy Compton 56 NIA 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc 223,165
19 Christian Foundation Elem.,Inc. Compton 82 N/A 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. j 223,765
20 First Christian Day Of Compton Compton 125 N/A 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
21 Optimal Christian Academy Compton 288 NIA 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
22 Roosevelt Middle Compton 857 1001/6 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
23 Roosevelt Elementary Compton 1,719 : 100% 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
24 Kelly Elementary Compton 1,063 ! 700% 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
25 Emerson Elementary Compton 667 99% 260,983 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
26 Dominguez High 1 Compton 1,760 j 100% 259,609 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
27 Madrona Middle i Torrance 676 47% 241,918 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
28 Jefferson Middle Torrance 562 42% 241,918 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
29 South Bay Junior Academy Torrance 165 N/A 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
30 St.James Clem. Torrance 305 N/A 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
31 Bishop Montgomery High Torrance 1,494 N/A 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div, 233,491
32 Victor Elementary Torrance 955 54% 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,491
33 Lynn(Ben M.)Middle Torrance 660 53% 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co,Can Div. 233,491
34 Anza Elementary Torrance 576 33% 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. I 233,491
35 West High Torrance 1,918 55% 241,391 Reynolds Metals Co.Can Div. 233,497
36 Anaheim High Anaheim 2,054 93% 206,342 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
37 Grace Lutheran Parish Clem. Anaheim 56 NIA 206,342 Xerxes Corp. j 765,350
38 Zion Lutheran Elem. Anaheim 359 N/A 206,342 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
39 St.Catherine's Military Anaheim 169 N/A 206,342 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
40 St.Boniface Anaheim 291 WA 206,342 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
41 Jefferson Elementary Anaheim 903 95% 206,342 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
I 42 Franklin Elementary Anaheim 906 93% 206,342 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
43 Mann Elementary E Anaheim 847 92% 1 200,733 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
44 Lincoln Elementary i Anaheim 1,002 96% 200,728 Xerxes Corp. 165,350
45 Oleander Elementary Fontana 842 83% 145,019 Gold Shield Fiberglass Inc. 105,900
46 Miramonte Elementary Los Angeles 1,926 100% 131,327 Myers Container Corp. 52,626
47 Florence Avenue Elementary Los Angeles 1,024 100% 131,327 Myers Container Corp. 52,626
48 McFadden intermediate Santa Ana 1,798 94% 129,708 Arlon Inc.Adhesives&Films Div. 65,305
49 Carr(Gerald P.)Intermediate Santa Ana 1,903 99% 129,708 Arlon Inc.Adhesives&Films Div. 65,305
50 Diamond Elementary Santa Ana 827 100% 129,708 Arlon Inc.Adhesives&Flims Div. 65,305
Source: Environmental Working Group. Compiled from U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory and California Department of
Education,
ing emitter of carcinogens Reproductive toxins (Table
in California. The next 10 5): St. John the Baptist
schools were in neighbor- Catholic School and Zanker
ing Anaheim, with the larg- Elementary of Milpitas were
est share of emissions com- again highest for proximity
ing either from the Lasco to the largest emissions of
facility or the Xerxes Corp., reproductive toxins, with
a manufacturer of fiberglass more than 840,000 pounds
storage tanks and the within one mile. Again, the
state's fourth-largest emitter largest single source was
of carcinogens, Quebecor Printing of San
Jose. Nine of the 15 next
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING; GROUP 13
Table 6. Heavy metals emitted in air within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in
1995.
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted
Total Percent within 1 mile Largest Source by largest source
Rank school City Enrollment Non-Anglo, (1495) (1995) (1995)
1 Optimal Christian Academy Middle Compton 20 N/A 259,917 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
2 McNair Christian Academy Compton 54 N/A 259,917 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
! 3 Revival Time Christian Academy Compton 56 N/A 259,917 j American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
4 Christian Foundation Elem.,Inc. Compton 82 N/A 259,917 1 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
! 5 first Christian Day Of Compton Compton 125 N/A 259,917 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
6 Optimal Christian Academy Compton 288N/A 259,917 ; American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
7 Roosevelt Middle ! Compton 857 1 OMA, 259,917 ! American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165 _
8 ! Roosevelt Elementary Compton 1,119 100% 259,917 ! American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
9 Kelly Elementary Compton 1,063 10(y% 259,917 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165 _
10 Emerson Elementary Compton 667 99% 259,917 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
11 Dominguez High Compton 1,760 100% 259,859 American Racing Equipment Inc. 223,165
12 Temple(Raymond)Elementary Buena Park 462 51% 47,489 Hayes Wheels Intl. 47,489
13 Miller(George B.)Elementary La Palma 475 57% 47,489 Hayes Wheels Intl. 47,489
14 Buena Terra Elementary Buena Park 515 40% 47,489 I Hayes Wheels Intl 47,489
15 Corey(Arthur F.)Elementary Buena Park 593 59% 47,489 Hayes Wheels Intl. 47,489
16 Walker Junior High La Palma 1,001 57% 47,489 Hayes Wheels Intl. 47,489
17 Kennelly(John F,)High La Palma 1,841 56% 47,489 Hayes Wheels Intl. 47,489
18 Leal(Frank C.)Elementary Cerritos 1 675 85% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
19 Juarez(Benito)Elementary Cerritos 589 87% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
20 Ross(Faye)Junior High Artesia 589 76% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
21 Elliott(William F.)Elementary Artesia 435 571% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
22 Kennedy(John F.)Elementary Artesia 455 79% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
23 Carver(Charles J.)Elementary Cerritos 467 81% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
24 Tracy(Wilbur)High(cont.) Cerritos 319 77% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
25 Cerritos High Cerritos 2,227 79% 45,630 Fredrick Ramond Inc. 45,630
! 26 Western Avenue Baptist Elem. Harbor City 86 N/A 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950
j 27 Pacifica Christian Elem. Lomita 101 N/A 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950
28 Gateway Christian Harbor City 299 N/A 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950
19 Fleming Wexander)Junior Hig Lomita 1,572 81% 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950 !
30 President Avenue Elementary Harbor City 555 69% 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. !i 24,950
31 Normont Elementary Harbor City 558 99% 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950
32 Harbor City Elementary Harbor City 634 910% 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950
33 Narbonne(Nathaniel)Senior High Harbor City 2,699 83% 24,950 Prime Wheel Corp. 24,950
34 ! Barnard-white Middle Union City 1,360 75% 9,766 U.S.Pipe&Foundry Co. 9,766
35 I Searles Elementary Union City 932 801/ 9,766 U.S.Pipe&Foundry Co. 9,766
36 ! Decoto Elementary Union City 639 82% 9,766 U.S.Pipe&Foundry Co. 9,766
37 lames Logan High Union City 4,110 79% 9,766 U.S.Pipe&Foundry Co. 9,766
38 Downer(Edward M.)Elementary I San Pablo 1,045 95% 9,510 Chevron USA 9,255
39 Peres Elementary Richmond 483 99% 9,510 Chevron USA 9,255
40 New Life Christian Academy Richmond 28 N/A 9,255 Chevron USA 9,255
41 j Global Christian Academy Richmond 10 N/A 9,255 Chevron USA 9,255
42 Nystrom Elementary Richmond 484 99% 9,255 Chevron USA 9,255
43 Lincoln Elementary Richmond 513 1001% 9,255 Chevron USA 9,255
44 Grant Elementary Richmond 746 92% 9,255 Chevron USA 9,255
45 St.Anthony Etem. EI Segundo 275 N/A 7,163 Chevron USA 7,163
46 { EI Segundo Middle EI Segundo 577 25% 7,163 Chevron USA 7,163
47 Center Street Elementary EI Segundo 1,079 25% 7,163 Chevron USA 7,163
48 EI Segundo High ! Ei Segundo 771 30% 7,163 Chevron USA 7,163
49 j Arena High(Cont.) E;Segundo 44 32% 7,163 Chevron USA 7,163
50 St.Catherine Of Siena Hem. Martinez 270 N/A 5,713 Shell Martinez Refining Co. 3,962
Source: Environmental Working Group. Compiled from U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory and California Department of
Education.
potentially most exposed led this list, all with
schools were in nearby Fre- 259,000 pounds of metals
mont, and in each case all emitted within one mile. In
of the pollution came from each case, more than 90
the same source, the New percent of the pollutants
United Motor Manufacturing came from a single source,
plant. The auto factory was American Racing Equip-
the third-largest emitter of ment Inc. The ARE factory,
reproductive toxins in the which manufactures cus-
state. tom wheels and rims for
automobiles, was the larg-
e Heavy metals (Table 6): est single emitter of heavy
Eleven schools in Compton metals in California.
14 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
......... ........_.. _._.._. .... _.... ........ .
...____.._... ..._..._... ._...........__._... ........ .. ._........ ......_.. ......... ......... .............._
Table 7. Particulate matter emitted within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in 1995
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted j
Total Percent witldn 1 mile Largest Source by largest source I
Rank School City Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (1995)
1 Foundation High San Diego 62 N/A 1,433,000 San Diego West Miramar Landfill 1,428,800
2 Carnegie(Andrew)Junior High Carson 1,315 94% 979,000 Arco Products Co. 957,600
3 I Bonita Street Elementary Carson 635 91% 979,000 Arco Products Co. ! 457,600
4 Dolores Street Elementary Carson 824 94% 978,600 Arco Products Co. ! 957,600
5 Carson Street Elementary Carson 82692% 978,400 Arco Products Co. 957,600
6 Carson Senior High Carson 2,999 94% 978,4D0 Arco Products Co. 457,600
7 St.Philomena Elem. Carson 310 N/A 970,800 Arco Products Co. 957,600
8 i St.Clare Elem. Santa Clara 296 NiA 942,600 International Leadframe 887,200
9 i Haman(C.W.)Elementary Santa Clara 459 49% 942,600 International Leadframe 887,200
10 New Valley Continuation High Santa Clara 125 58% 942,600 International Leadframe 887,200
11 Mission Valley Continuation High Santa Clara 0 N/A 942,600 International Leadframe 887,200
12 i Kinderwood Academy Santa Clara 25 N/A 941,800 international Leadframe 887,200
13 Buchser Middle Santa Clara 1,018 54% 941,800 International Leadframe 887,200
14 j Martinez Christian School,Inc. Martinez 26 N/A 918,800 Shell Martinez Refitting 892,800
15 Las Juntas Elementary Martinez 374 32% 918,800 Shell Martinez Refining 892,800
16 St.Anthony Elem. El Segundo 275 N/A 901,400 Chevron USA 900,200
17 Center Street Elementary H Segundo 1,079 25% 901,400 Chevron USA 900,200
18 Arena High(Cont.) El Segundo 44 32% 901,400 Chevron USA 900,200
19 E)Segundo Middle EJ Segundo 577 25% 900,400 Chevron USA 900,200
20 El Segundo High ElSegunda 771 301 1 900,400 Chevron U5A0 900,200
21 Morello Park Elementary Martinez 500 171% 895,800 Shell Martinez Refining 892,800
22 Cory(Benjamin)Elementary San lose 511 671 887,200 International Leadframe 887,200
23 Monroe Middle San lose 843 48% 887,200 International leadframe 887,200
24 Boron junior-Senior High Boron 356 16% 686,800 U.S.Borax 686,800
25 Schendei Elementary Delhi 994 65% 683,200 Foster Poultry Farms-feed Mill 683,200
26 Holy family Elem. Wilmington 226 N/A 649,400 t Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 253,400
27 Banning(Phineas)Senior High Wilmington 3,267 971Y. 641,400 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 253,400
28 Gulf Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,258 971/0 641,000 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 253,400
29 First Baptist Christian Wilmington 37 N/A 639,200 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 253,400
30 Fries Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,277 98% 639,200 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 253,400
31 5t,Elizabeth Elem. Oakland 500 N/A j 616,600 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
32 St.Elizabeth High Oakland 319 N/A 616,600 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
33 Lazear Elementary Oakland 520 971% 616,600 1 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
34 Dewey/Bagman Senior High Oakland 237 99% 616,600 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,20D
35 Pondorado Alternative Center Camino 60 18% 543,200 Mich-Cal Lumber Co. 543,200
36 Camino Elementary Camino 559 16% 543,200 Mich-Cal Lumber Co. 543,200
37 Fremont Senior High Oakland 1,520 99% 531,400 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
38 Emery Middle School Academy/Emery High Emeryville 412 97% 531,400 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
39 Melrose Elementary Oakland 514 99% 531,200 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
40 ! St.Patrick's Elem. Rodeo 283 N/A 521,400 Union Chemical 416,200
41 Hillcrest Elementary Rodeo 990 52% 521,400 Union Chemical 416,200
42 Fern Elementary Torrance 514 44% 496,600 Mobil Oil Corporation 485,000
43 Nativity Elem. Torrance 294 N/A 496,200 Mobil Oil Corporation 485,000
44 Torrance High Torrance 1,831 53% 496,200 Mobil Oil Corporation 485,000
45 Shery(Kurt T.)High Torrance 179 47% 492,600 Mobil Oil Corporation 485,000
46 Mark Twain Elementary Corcoran 513 82% 492,000 1.G.Boswell Company 467,800
47 Torrance Elementary Torrance 567 61% 491,200 Mobil Oil Corporation 485,000
48 Hawthorne Year-Round Elementary Oakland 1,304 99% 475,800 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
49 Lazear/jingletown Charter Middle Oakland 183 99% 475,600 Owens-Brockway Glass 390,200
50 El Tejon Elementary Lebec 587 14% 467,000 National Cement Co. 467,000
Source: Environmental Working Group, from U.S. EPA AIRS database and California Department of Education.
• Particulate Matter (Table the 11 top schools for prox-
7): The school within one imity to PM were in Carson,
mile of the largest emis- near an Arco oil refinery
sions of PM was Founda- which was the sixth-largest
tion High in San Diego, PM emitter in the state. Also
with 1.4 million pounds among the highest-ranking
emitted within one mile. were six schools in the city
Almost all of the particu- of Santa Clara, near Interna-
lates came from the City of tionai Leadframe, a corn-
San Diego's West Miramar puter hardware maker that
Landfill, the third-largest was the state's tenth-largest
emitter of particulates in emitter of PM.
California in 1995. Five of
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 15
................... ... . ..._.. . _. ..... .. ........ ....._...
....... ........... .. ..............................................................
Table 8. Nitrogen oxides emitted within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in
1995.
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted
Total Percent within 1 mile Largest Source by largest source
Rank School City Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (1995)
1 Turner Elementary Antioch 695 47% 12,603,800 Pacific Gas&Electric Co. 12,601,600
2 Martinez Christian School,Inc. Martinez 26 N/A 8.,922,400 Shell Martinez Refining 8,893,000
3 Las Juntas Elementary Martinez 374 32% 8,922,400 Shell Martinez Refining 8,893,000
4 Morello Park Elementary Martinez 500 17% 8,893,800 Shell Martinez Refining 6,A93,00
5 St.Catherine Of Siena Elem. Martinez 270 N/A 7,070,400 Tosco Corp.Avon Refinery 6,321,400
6 Alhambra Senior High Martinez 1,064 24% 6,322,800 Tosco Corp.Avon Refinery 6,321,40
7 Visitation Elem. Los Angeles 293 N/A 6,017,600 LAX Airport 5,942,400
8 Loma Elementary South EI Monte 321 99% 5,654,200 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,626,00 f
9 Potrero Heights Elementary South San Gabriel 494 93% 5,649,40 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,626,00
10 Temple(Roger W.)intermediate Rosemead 495 98"l0 5,639,60 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,626,00 i
11 Sanchez(George 1.)Elementary Rosemead 559 971% 5,639,80 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,626,00
12 Rice(Eldridge)Elementary Rosemead 726 96% 5,639,60 So.Cal.Edison Co. 5,626,00
13 5hery(Kurt T.)Nigh Torrance 179 47% 5,51 i,40 Mobil Oil Corporation 5,462,40
14 Needles Middle Needles 289 34% 5,491,20 Southern California Gas Co 2,770,00
15 Vista Colorado Elementary Needles 336 40% 5,491,200 Southern California Gas Co 2,770,00
16 Needles Senior High Needles 365 35% 5,491,20 Southern California Gas Co 2,770,00
17 Fern Elementary Torrance 514 44% 5,481,80 Mobil di{Corporation 5,462,400
18 Nativity Elem. Torrance 294 N/A 5,474,00 Mobil Oil Corporation ! 5,462,40
19 Torrance High Torrance 1,831 53% 5,474,00 Mobil Oil Corporation 5.462,400
20 Torrance Elementary Torrance 567 61% 5,473,400 Mobil Oil Corporation 5,462,400
21 Holy Family Elem. Wilmington 226 N/A 4,676,200 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,830,20
22 Banning(Phineas)Senior High Wilmington 3,267 97% 4,623,400 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,830,20
23 First Baptist Christian Wilmington 37 N/A 4,593,00 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,830,20
24 Fries Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,277 98% 4,593,00 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,830,200
25 Gulf Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,258 97% 4,592,20 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,830,200
26 Joshua Middle Mojave 233 42% 4,491,800 Cal.Portland Cement Co. 4,491,800
27 $t.Patrick's Elem. Rodeo 283 NIA 4,491,40 Unocal Corporation 3,362,40
28 Hillcrest Elementary Rodeo 990 52% 4,491,40 Unocal Corporation 3,362,40
29 SL Anthony Elem. El Segundo 275 N/A 3,917,800 Chevron USA 3,895,600
30 Center Street Elementary El Segundo 1,079 25% 3,917,80 Chevron USA 3,895,600
31 Arena High El Segundo 44 32% 3,917,800 Chevron USA 3,895,60
32 El Segundo Middle El Segundo 577 25% 3,90,00 Chevron USA 3,895,60
33 El Segundo High H Segundo 771 3M 3,900,00 Chevron USA 3,895,600
34 Del Mar Elementary Morro Bay 278 23% 3,885,80) PG&E-Morro Bay 3,885,80
35 Camegie(Andrew)Junior Hgih Carson 1,315 94% 3,728,40 Arco Products Co. 3,423,400
36 Bonita Street Elementary Carson 635 91% 3,728,400 Arco Products Co. 3,423,400
37 Carson Senior High Carson 2,999 94% 3,727,20 Arco Products Co. 3,423,400
38 Dolores Street Elementary Canon 824 94% 3,721,40 Arco Products Co. 3,423,40
39 Carson Street Elementary Carson 826 92% 3,717,200 Arco Products Co. 3,423,400
40 St.Philomena Elem. Carson 310 N/A 3,585,20 Arco Products Co. 3,423,40
41 Stevens Creek Elementary Cupertino 582 31% 3,387,000 , Kaiser Cement Corporation 3,387,00
42 Hawaiian Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,235 99% 3,308,20 ! Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,630,20
4.3 Pacific Harbor Christian Wilmington 184 N/A 3,307,200 ! Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 2,830,20
44 Chula Vista Christian Chula Vista 129 N/A 3,301,200 SDG&E-South Bay 3,212,00
45 Harborside Elementary Chula Vista 719 90% 3,301,20 SDG&E-South Bay 3,212,000
46 : EI Tejon Elementary Lebec 587 14% 3,048,00 National Cement Co :3,048,00
47 ! Lytle Creek Elementary San Bernardino 756 92% 2,511,400 ! Alpine Auto Body 2,508,00
48 Mt.Vernon Elementary San Bernardino 736 82% 2,508,200 j Alpine Auto Body 2,508,00
49 Ramona-Alessandro Elementary San Bernardino 799 83% 2,508.200 i Alpine Auto Body 2,508,([X)
50 Starr King Elementary San Francisco 382 95% 2,504,80 Pacific Gas&Electric Co 2,460,200
i
Source: Environmental Working Group, from U.S. EPA AIRS database and California Department of Education.
•
NO, (Table 8): Turner El- Martinez, near the Shell
ementary in Antioch ranked Martinez or Tosco Avon
highest in terms of proxim- refineries.
ity to emissions-of NOX,
with more than 12.6 million SO2 (Table 9): St.
pounds emitted within one Catherine of Siena in
mile. Almost all of it came Martinez also ranked high-
from a PG&E plant in est for proximity to the
neighboring Pittsburg, the largest emissions of SO2,
largest emitter of NOX in with more than 9.7 million
California. The next five pounds emitted within 1
schools were all in mile. Again, almost all of
16 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
Table 9. Sulfur dioxide emitted within 1 mile of the 50 most exposed California schools in 1995.
Pounds emitted Pounds emitted
Total Percent within t mile Largest Source by largest source
Rank School Citv Enrollment Non-Anglo (1995) (1995) (1995)
1 St.Catherine Of Siena Eiem. Martinez 270 N/A 9,763,000 Tosco Corp.Avon Refinery 9,743,800
2 Alhambra Senior High Martinez 1,064 24% 9,743,800 Tosco Corp.Avon Refinery 9,743,800
3 Coastal Christian Arroyo Grande 60 N/A 6,349,800 ! Unocal Carbon Plant 6,254,600
' 4 Valley View Adventist Academy Arroyo Grande 101 N/A 6,349,800 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,254,600
5 St.Patrick's Parochial Elem. Arroyo Grande 294 N/A 6,349,800 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,254,600
6 Paulding(Ruth)Middle Arroyo Grande 539 22% 6,349,800 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,254,600
7 Lopez Continuation High Arroyo Grande 190 41% 6,349,800 Unocal Carbon Plant 6,254,600
8 Martinez Christian School,Inc. Martinez 26 N/A 5,030,600 Shell Martinez Refining 5,022,800
9 Las Juntas Elementary Martinez 374 32% 5,030,600 Shell Martinez Refining 5,022,800
10 Morello Park Elementary Martinez 500 17% 5,022,800 Shell Martinez Refining 5,022,800
11 5t.Patrick's Elem. Rodeo 283 N/A 4,270,600 Union Chemical 3,070,600
12 Hillcrest Elementary Rodeo 990 52% 4,270,600 Union Chemical 3,070,600
13 Carnegie(Andrew)junior High Carson 1,315 94% 3,495,600 Arco Products Co. 3,466,800
14 Dolores Street Elementary Carson 824 94% 3,495,600 Arco Products Co. 3,466,800
15 Carson Street Elementary Carson 826 92% 3,495,600 Arco Products Co. 3,466,800
16 Bonita Street Elementary Carson 635 91% 3,495,600 Arco Products Co. 3,466,800
17 Carson Senior High Carson 2,999 94% 3,495,600 j Arco Products Co. 3,466,800
18 St.Philomena Elem. Carson 310 N/A 3,477,600 Arco Products Co. 3,466,800
19 Holy family Elem. Wilmington 226 N/A 3,129,800 Union Oil Co.Of Cal, 1,303,800
20 Banning(Phineas)Senior High Wilmington i 3,267 97% 3,125,800 1 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 1,303,800
21 first Baptist Christian Wilmington 37 N/A 3,123,600 i
j Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 1,303,800
22 Gulf Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,258 97% 3,123,600 1 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 1,303,800
23 Fries Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,277 98% 3,123,600 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 1,303,800
24 St.Anthony Hem. EI Segundo 275 N/A 2,314,200 Chevron USA 2,313,400
25 Center Street Elementary 1 El Segundo 1,079 25% 2,314,200 Chevron USA 2,313,400
26 Arena High EI Segundo 44 32% 2,314,200 Chevron USA 2,313,400
27 El Segundo Middle EI Segundo 577 25% 2,313,400 Chevron USA 2,313,400
28 El Segundo High EI Segundo 771 301! 2,313,400 Chevron USA 2,313,400
29 Nativity Elem. Torrance 294 N/A 2,106,000 Mobil Oil Corporation 2,106,000
30 Torrance Elementary Torrance 567 61% 2,106,000 Mobil Oil Corporation 2,106,000
31 1 Fern Elementary Torrance 514 44% 2,106,000 Mobil Oil Corporation 2,106,000
32 Torrance High Torrance 1,831 53% 2,106,000 Mobil Oil Corporation 2,106,000
33 Shery(Kurt TJ High 1 Torrance 179 47% 2,106,000 Mobil Oil Corporation 2,106,000
34 Pacific Harbor Christian Wilmington 184 N/A 1,819,800 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 1,121,800
35 Hawaiian Avenue Elementary Wilmington 1,235 99% 1,819,800 Texaco Ref.&Marketing Inc. 1,121,800
36 Del Mar Elementary Morro Bay 278 23% 1,334,800 PG&E-Morro Bay 1,334,800
37Wiimingtort Park Elementary Wilmington 1,139 99% 1,310,000 Union Oil Co.Of Cal. 1,303,800
38 Oasiburg NsContinuationHigh Kingsburg 46 63% 1,144,400 Guardian Industries Corp. 1,144,400
39 Kingsigh Kingsburg 952 44% 1,144,400 Guardian industries Corp. 1,144,400
40 Washington Elementary Kingsburg 427 50% 1,144,400 Guardian industries Corp. 1,144,400
41 Roosevelt Elementary Kingsburg 407 47% 1,144,400 ! Guardian industries Corp. 1,144,400
42 Lincoln Elementary Kingsburg 617 52% 1,144,400 Guardian Industries Corp. 1,144,400
43 Turner Elementary 1 Antioch 695 47% 1,025,000 Pacific Gas&Electric Co. 1,024,000
44 Stevens Creek Elementary Cupertino 582 31% 928,600 Kaiser Cement Corporation 928,600
45 Casa Loma Elementary Bakersfield 618 91% 928,200 Kern Oil&Refining Co. 928,200
46 New Life Christian Academy Lompoc 83 N/A 885,800 ! Celite Corporation 885,800
47 La Purisima Concepcion Elem. Lompoc 277 WA 885,800 j Celite Corporation 885,800
48 Lompoc Middle Lompoc 1,342 57% 885,800 1 Celite Corporation 885,800
49 La Canada Elementary Lompoc 675 54% 885,800 Celite Corporation 885,800
50 Ruth(Clarence)Elementary Lompoc 686 67% 885,800 Celite Corporation 885,800
Source: Environmental Working Group. Compiled from U.S. EPA AIRS database and California Department of
Education,
the emissions came from
the Tosco Avon refinery.
Four other schools in
Martinez were also among
the 10 campuses near the
largest sources of S02' The
remaining five were all in
Arroyo Grande, near the
Unocal Carbon Plant, the
state's third-largest emitter
of Sd2.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 17
............................. .............11
.. ................................................................................................................................
18 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
..........................................................
Chapter 4
Conclusions
and [recommendations
Industrial air pollution near the average adult. Finally, it does Parents have the right
California schools is a significant not consider two significant to expect that when
problem, potentially affecting sources of air pollution: auto ex- their children go to
more than 2.8 million children haust and pesticides. school, they will be in
every school day. The majority a safe and healthy
of the state's largest industrial This analysis does provide par- environment.
emitters of air pollutants are lo- ents with basic information about
cated within one mile of one or the amount and kind of air pol-
more schools. Air pollution near lutants their children may be ex-
schools falls disproportionately posed to at school, and how their
on children of color, but is kids' schools compare to others
found in all parts of the state. around the state. Parents have
Even though emissions near the right to expect that when
schools include a number of their children go to school, they
contaminants known to cause will be in a safe and healthy en-
serious adverse health effects, vironment, Without adequate
there is very little monitoring of monitoring data, state pollution
the air these children breathe and public health authorities can-
every day; nor is there an assess- not provide parents with this ba-
ment of the increased health sic assurance.
risks they face simply by attend-
ing school. The air near schools is essen-
tially no cleaner or dirtier than in
This analysis does not attempt the surrounding neighborhood,
to measure or evaluate that risk. and sources of pollution near
Although it identifies all Califor- schools affect all residents and
nia schools within one mile of workers in the neighborhood.
reported emissions, it does not But in light of the growing evi-
measure how close individual dence of children's increased vul-
schools are to individual sources nerability to environmental pol-
of pollution. Nor does it show lutants, continuing to send chil-
whether the amount of pollut- dren to schools that are some-
ants emitted near the schools is times literally in the shadow of
in violation of existing health major sources of pollution is un-
standards — standards currently wise public policy.
set at levels adequate to protect
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 19
.............................................................1,
..................................
EWG recommends that the be added near the schools
California Legislature and U.S. that are potentially most
Congress make the protection of exposed.
children's health the first priority
of new and existing environmen- Require industrial facilities
tal regulations. Specifically, we near schools to prepare
recommend that Cal-EPA and and implement meaning-
U.S. EPA: ful, enforceable pollution-
reduction plans.
• Review all existing and pro-
posed environmental health Implement tougher regu-
standards to ensure that lations for permitting the
they adequately protect construction of new in-
children. dustrial facilities, or re-
newal of the permits of
• increase the number of air existing facilities, near
pollution monitors near schools.
schools, and add schools to
the list of institutions that Provide relocation assis-
must be notified on days of tance for schools in the
excessive pollution. At areas of greatest potential
minimum, monitors should exposure.
20 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
............................
................
Chapter 5
Methodology
Cal-EPA's Emissions Inventory the TRI, but the overlap is mini-
Database provides estimates, as mal.
reported by the polluting facili-
ties, of emissions of NOX, SO2 By matching the emissions
and the category of particulate databases with school location
matter known as PM10. PM10 and enrollment data from the
refers to particles that are 10 mi- California Department of Educa-
crons — one-millionth of a tion, EWG calculated releases of
meter -- in diameter. Where each of the six categories of pol-
PM10 data is lacking, the data- lutants within one mile of a
base reports emissions of total school. (The data sources may in
particulates, or PT. For this re- rare instances list a corporate ad-
port, particulate matter is re- dress that is not the site of the
ferred to as PM. Combined emis- reported emissions.)
sions of PM, NOX and SO2 are
referred to as particulates and The schools were then ranked
particulate precursors, or P/PP. by proximity to the sources of
the highest amounts of each cat-
U.S. EPA's Toxics Release In- egory of pollutant, and by prox-
ventory (TRI) lists emissions, unity to the combined amount of
also reported by the regulated the three categories of particulate
facilities, of carcinogens, repro- pollutants (NO. + SO2 + PM
ductive toxins and heavy metals. particulates and particulate pre-
Far this analysis, carcinogens cursors, or P/PP) and the com-
counted were those in Cal-EPA's bined amount of the three cat-
Proposition 65 registry. Some egories of TRI chemicals (car-
chemicals included in particulate cinogens + reproductive toxins +
releases may also be listed under heavy metals = total TRI).
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP 21
School
References
Benson, Mitchell, 1997. "The `Job-Killer' Scare: Can It Work Once
More?"The Wall Street Journal (California edition),July 2, 1997.
Cal-EPA 1996. A Review of the California Environmental Protection
Agency's Risk Assessment Practices, Policies, and Guidelines: Report
of the Risk Assessment Advisory Committee. October 1996.
EPA 1996. Environmental Health Threats to Children. EPA 175-F-96-
001. September 1996.
EPA 1997. Statement by Mary Nichols, EPA Assistant Administrator,
Office of Air and Radiation. April 2, 1997.
Escutia, Martha, 1998. Background paper: Conference Committee on
Assembly Bill No. 278, Children's Environmental Health Protection
Act. February 24, 1998,
EWG 1997. .100,000 California Kids Breathe Unhealthy Air at School.
EWG California Policy Memorandum. June 4, 1997.
Smith, Kathie, 1997. "Cardoza, Machado blasted for pollution stance. "
The Modesto Bee, September 22, 1997.
22 SCHOOL HAZE: AIR POLLUTION NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, 1995
_..... _
E N V i R Q N M E T A L
W0 R K 1 N G R 0U .P -
Callfornis Offloo VIUSIO root,D.C.Offer
P.tl.Box 29201 •Tho Presidia 1718 Contaeeffew Ave.,N.ML Sufte soo
Son Francisco,CA tl e1? ithehk*wi4 QC 20"8
4'151-t6il3Sg -867-6
982
hrfooeewg org w etett}f-Org lnfu@uwgAwo•G rp
_........ ......... ......... ......... ......... ._..__... . ....
.. _..... ......._..........._....... ._....... ......__.. ._....... ......... ......... ......... .............._.. _
_ _ _. _... _...._... _..... ......... .........
REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM
(THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) 0
Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers'
rostrum before addressing the Beard.
Name: Phone:
f
Address: A506city:
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(nwwe,of organization)
CHECK ONE:
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Board to consider:
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(THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT)
Complete this farm and place it in the box near the speakers'
rostrum before addressing the Board.
Name: S l/ Z✓,�} '7� Phone: k F 7:Z6
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(TRREB (3) KINUTE L=MST) U-3
Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers'
rostrum before addressing the Beard.
Name:
Fhcne.•
A
Address: ' ��� city
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l
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Board to consider:
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Administration Building
651 Pine Street, 11th Floor RECEIVED
Martinez
DATE: June 17, 1998
CLERK BOARD CE Si PERVISOR5
TO: William B. Walker, MiORT
DHealth Services Dire CONTR `tA
FROM: Claude L. Van Marttant County Administrator
SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP TO RON AIR POLLUTION
NEAR CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS
Board Agenda Date: June 16, 1998
Agenda Item #: SDA
On June 16, 1998, the Board of Supervisors received the attached report from the
Environmental Working Group. Rather than the referral recommended in the
attached Board Order, the report was referred to the Hazardous Materials
Commission,the Public and Environmental Health Advisory Board,and the Bay Area
Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The Board appointed an Ad Hoc
Committee consisting of Supervisor Rogers and Supervisor Uilkema to meet with
and receive reports from these groups and others who wish to provide comments
and testimony on this subject. The Ad Hoc Committee was then asked to report to
the Board again on September 1, 1998.
Please insure that the Hazardous Materials Commission and PEHAB are aware of
this referral and act on it in a timely manner. Please bring the report to the attention
of the BAAQMD and ask that they agree to meet with the Ad Hoc Committee and
provide their comments on the report.
We would appreciate your staff assuming the responsibility to schedule a meeting
with the Ad Hoc Committee sometime in August so they are prepared to report back
to the full Board on September 1, 1998.
CLVM:amb
BS-0616.003
Attachment
- 2 -
cc: Supervisor Jim Rogers
Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema
Supervisor Donna Gerber
Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier
Supervisor Joe Canciamilla
Wendel Brunner, M.D., Public Health Director
Elinor Blake, Executive Assistant to the Hazardous Materials Commission
Jeanne Maglio, Chief Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Sara Hoffman, Senior Deputy County Administrator
JtN-11-2 :AEi ,;i_w ld�tISU t tl Et i l r oar r.ae
tit d
Sum Donna Gerber costa
couly
am June 16, 1998
ate= School Han: Air Pollution Near California Schools
��iM1 les �i ae ACID�TMMDAt�oN
RECOMltiAENDATION.
Consider report from the Environmental Working Crmup entitled"School Ham.Air Pollution
New C&fornia SchooW and refer the repot to they Family and Human Services Committee for
review and recommendation to the Board.
BACKGROUND:
In a report to be:released on June 1+6, 1998,the Environmental Working Group(EW+G)reports
that more than 245 million pounds of industrial air pollution wens Fitted new California
schools In 1995. Basad upon federal and state data,EWO also reports that half of the state's
s udeats att andel a public or pnvatt school within one milt of a rtporte d source of airbome
emissions ssions of chemical known to cause:cancer. birth defects,developmental doge or reespiratmy
iltn .
Among the findings of the re port include a list of the 50 schools most exposed to nitrogen
ate,sulfi r dioxide,and other particulates emitted in air within a mule of the schools. 7'hes list
indicates that the top eight schools are in Contra Com County,five of which we in Martinez.
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