News Coverage
Letters to the Editor
Toxic materials routinely used in school portables
Published March 24, 2003
Editor:
Readers of your excellent article on portable classrooms (TNT, 3-10) should be interested in developments that have led to better air quality in California's 86,000-plus portables. After release of our 1999 report, "Reading, Writing and Risk" (www.ewg.org/reports/readingwritingrisk/pressrelease.html), a public-interest law firm, As You Sow, commissioned tests of the air in a sample of portable classrooms. Tests confirmed that levels of formaldehyde and benzene were high enough to trigger a California law requiring warnings if the public is exposed to chemicals that cause cancer or birth defects.
As You Sow sued 14 companies that made portables used in California to either post warnings or get rid of the toxins. In a settlement approved by the state attorney general, the manufacturers agreed to use a less-toxic form of formaldehyde in particle board and other building materials, improve ventilation and increase the amount of time a structure is aired out before it is considered habitable.
The case proves two important points: Toxic air pollution in portables is a fact, and manufacturers can easily reduce toxic exposure. Formaldehyde-free building materials are routinely used in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and even art galleries. Surely children deserve no less.
BILL WALKER
Vice President/West Coast
Environmental Working Group
