New research shows nearly half of U.S. pre-K-12 schools are near environmental hazard sites
More than 3 million children enrolled in pre-K–12 schools in the U.S. attend a school located within a quarter mile of a known environmental hazard site tracked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that nearly half of all U.S. pre-K-12 schools are situated within a mile of an environmental hazard site tracked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Conducted by Brown University researchers, the study examined the proximity of over 3 million children attending these schools to known hazardous locations such as Superfund sites, brownfields, or Toxics Release Inventory facilities.
The findings indicate that 8% of U.S. schools are within a quarter mile of a hazardous site, a distance at which adverse health and academic effects have been documented. This equates to approximately 44% of pre-K-12 schools being within a mile of such a site. Professor Matthew Kraft, coauthor of the study, expressed shock at the prevalence of schools located near toxic sites and industrial pollution. He emphasized that this issue needs to be addressed in communities across the United States.
The study highlights that Native, Black, Hispanic, and low-income students are disproportionately affected by this proximity to environmental hazards. These student populations are 124%, 86%, 43%, and 40% more likely to attend schools within a quarter mile of a hazardous site, respectively. The researchers suggest that industrial operations often locate their facilities in marginalized communities with limited political and economic power to challenge these operations.
Consequently, students of color and low-income students face a higher risk of exposure to environmental hazards while in school.
The researchers identified geographic differences in the prevalence of schools near hazardous sites. Urban schools faced the greatest potential exposure, with 12.7% within a quarter mile of an environmental hazard site. In contrast, schools in towns had a 10.3% likelihood of being located near such sites. The Northeast and Midwest regions had the highest prevalence, while the West and South had lower rates.
Identifying schools near pollution sites can facilitate targeted monitoring of air, soil, and water quality, promote expanded remediation efforts, modernize school facilities, and ensure more accurate communication of health risks to students, families, and staff. Professor Kraft emphasized the importance of this study in bringing attention to the critical need for safe and healthy learning environments for students.
The researchers hope that the new descriptive evidence will help elevate this issue among policymakers and school leaders.
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