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Air Toxics Near I.C. Evans Elementary School Below Levels of Concern

Release Date: 12/16/2010
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(DALLAS-- December 16, 2010) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the results of air monitoring data at I.C. Evans Elementary School found no health concern from short or long-term exposures to 4,4’-methylenedianiline, a hazardous air pollutant used mainly for making polyurethane foams and insulating materials in mailing containers. It is also used for making coating materials, glues, dyes, and rubber. Exposure to 4,4'-methylenedianiline can cause skin irritation and liver damage.

The final report is being placed on EPA’s website. Because 4,4’-methylenedianiline was not detected in any of the sampling, monitoring was discontinued at the school. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will continue to oversee industrial facilities in the area through Clean Air Act regulatory programs.

The school, located in Burkburnett, Texas, was selected for monitoring because of its proximity to a fiberglass pipe manufacturing facility. From August 29, 2009, to February 18, 2010, air monitors collected air samples at the school. Once the air monitoring was complete, EPA analyzed the results to see if there was a concern from short or long-term exposures.

The Schools Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative, which monitored outside air at 63 schools in 22 states, is designed to help EPA and state environmental agencies understand whether long-term exposure to air toxics poses health concerns for children and staff at the schools.

The report is posted on EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/schoolair/schools.html

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/dec2010.html
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