Monitoring the levels of toxic contaminants in the air at 62 schools across the United States will begin immediately at some schools and within 60 to 90 days at others, the Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday.
The schools, located in 22 states, were chosen for air-quality monitoring because they're close to industrial facilities or other pollution sources, the Associated Press reported.
Toxic chemicals known to cause cancer, respiratory and neurological problems will be the focus of the air testing. Children are more susceptible to these pollutants than adults, the agency noted.
A list of schools included in the monitoring program can be found at the EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/schoolair.