EPA targets air pollution near schools

WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) -- Toxic air pollution around 62 schools in 22 states will be monitored by state and federal agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.

The schools, located near large industrial facilities or in urban areas were identified using computer modeling analysis, results from a recent newspaper analysis, and information from state and local air agencies, the agency said Tuesday in a release.

"As a mother, I understand that concerned parents deserve this information as quickly as we can gather and analyze it," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a statement. "EPA, state, and local officials are mobilizing to determine where elevated levels of toxics pose a threat, so that we can take swift action to protect our children at their schools."

State and local agencies will take periodic samples of the air around the schools for a 60-day period. EPA will analyze the results of the monitoring and share the information with the schools and the public. The agency said it will also help interested schools improve the quality of their indoor air.