Provides an update on emerging safety issues, new technological developments, and upcoming regulations that could affect school transportation programs. Two new sets of federal regulations to watch for will govern underground fuel storage tanks and hazardous materials, and restrict asbestos in vehicle brake linings. (MD)

This book examines the health and safety implications of September 11, 2001, for seven public schools that were in the World Trade Center impact zone. From accounts of students, parents, teachers, and administrators, the report describes: (1) evacuation procedures of these schools on September 11; (2) communication flow between the New York City…

This report presents a case study of the renovation of Charles Young Elementary School in Washington, DC, focusing on how an improved school environment contributed to higher levels of educational performance. The school was chosen as a school revitalization demonstration project for the Urban Schools Initiative. The objective of the project was…

This article asserts that a significant number of schoolchildren and teachers in the United States are exposed on an almost daily basis to environmental hazards including volatile organic chemicals, airborne lead and asbestos, and noise pollution while they are at school. Some school hazards are linked to the aging of many of the nation's schools,…

This report presents the status of programs designed to manage hazardous educational waste collections in secondary schools in the state of Illinois. Laboratory wastes, expired chemicals, unstable compounds, and toxic or flammable materials are accounted for in this document. The report contains an executive summary, a review of Illinois statutes…

The purpose of this report is to present the issues surrounding biomonitoring of wastewaters discharged into the Great Lakes Basin. Biomonitoring is the process of using organisms to monitor the toxicity of a substance. The report reflects an interest in seeing zero discharge of toxic pollutants in the Great Lakes region. The report is organized…

A videotape that describes what earthquakes are, and examines the disaster planning schools can develop during the first few minutes following an earthquake to assure students and staff survive. The kinds of destruction likely to happen during a damaging earthquake are highlighted. The videotape stresses the need for children and staff to know…

Asserting that few people recognize that concentrations of toxic pollutants are often many times higher inside buildings than outdoors, this guide offers advice on improving school environmental health in Vermont. Its chapters are: (1) "Indoor Air Pollution is a National Problem"; (2) "School Environmental Health in Vermont";…

This paper describes the effectiveness of a three-step indoor air quality (IAQ) program implemented by 156 schools in the states of Washington and Idaho during the 2000-2001 school year. An experienced IAQ/building science specialist conducted walk-through assessments at each school. These assessments documented deficiencies and served as an…

This booklet outlines the environmental problems most likely to arise in schools. An overview provides a fundamental analysis of environmental issues rather than comprehensive analysis and advice. The text examines the concerns that surround superfund cleanups, focusing on the legal framework, and furnishes some practical pointers, such as what to…

Dramatic expansion of environmental education in historically black colleges and universities has occurred in recent years through partnerships with the federal government. A minority-institution environmental technology consortium, an environmental justice movement, and the College Fund/United Negro College Fund have been influential in creating…

Renovation, addition, and adaptive reuse of existing facilities offer many advantages over new construction: savings, preservation of historical or architecturally significant buildings, preservation of traditional location, and faster relocation to a more desirable location. Discusses building criteria: structure, hazardous materials, siting,…

Under existing laws, the federal and some state and local agencies can hold current real estate owners liable for cleaning up property contaminated with hazardous wastes. This applies whether the property is purchased or comes as a gift. Schools should develop hazardous-gift policies and investigation procedures. (MSE)

Describes a network formed by 96 school districts and 7 Boards of Cooperative Education Services to comply with New York State's 1980 chemical safety law. This shared services approach succeeds because of its cost effectiveness, convenience, and confidential liaison services. Major issues include recycling, sick building syndrome, disaster…

Describes a course for teaching chemical engineering students about safety and hazards. Summarizes the course content including topics for term papers and disciplines related to this course. Lists 18 references. (YP)