DEP Among 11 Organizations Honored By EPA For Improving Chemical Safety In Schools

The Department of Environmental Protection was one of 11 organizations recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for promoting responsible chemical management and helping remove potentially dangerous chemicals from K-12 schools in their communities.

Working with EPA’s School Chemicals Cleanout Campaign, the organizations removed an estimated 70,000 pounds of potentially dangerous chemicals from approximately 300 schools.

DEP is being recognized for its participation in an SC3 pilot project that has benefited 10 Pennsylvania schools. The agency provided resources to enable the schools to perform their own chemical inventories; developed, in collaboration with EPA Region 3 staff, a lessons-learned report that gives recommendations on proper chemical management in schools; and disseminated the reports to all Pennsylvania school districts.

As a result of the pilot project, more than 5,600 pounds of chemicals were removed from the schools, including toxic, flammable, and corrosive chemicals.

“This campaign reflects the very best of what we have to offer. It brings together local volunteers, educators, partners in the business community, and many others in service to our communities, and helps us in our most important work: protecting the health and safety of our children,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re grateful for all the dedicated citizens stepping up to confront our most urgent environmental and children’s health challenges. They’re ensuring that our schools are safe places for children to learn, play and grow.”

The organizations were recognized for a range of activities contributing to a reduction in chemical hazards, including:
-- Assisting schools in developing accurate chemical inventories;

-- Removing and properly disposing of outdated, unknown, and unneeded chemicals; and

-- Establishing sustainable programs to properly manage chemicals by training school administrators and teachers on responsible chemical management and green lesson planning.

EPA estimates that more than 33,000 middle and high schools across the country have potentially harmful chemicals that put students and staff at risk. SC3 works with schools, community organizations, and industry to help prevent chemical exposures through proper chemical management.

For more information, visit the EPA School Chemicals Cleanout Campaign webpage.