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)

Describes how the largest school district in Utah complied with the regulations for school safety--the Occupational Safety and Health Administration expanded chemical hazard communication standard and the Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. (MLF)

Land; exploitation of land; and changing Indian needs, attitudes, and religious demands define environmental issues facing modern Native Americans. Such issues are related to agriculture and ranching, forests and watersheds, hunting and fishing, water, natural resource mining and pollution, hazardous and radioactive waste storage, urbanization of…

Presents a solid waste disposal perspective gleaned from personal visits to landfill operations and conversations with landfill employees. Describes a modern landfill, solid waste disposal techniques, recycling efforts, overpackaging, the "not-in-my-backyard" syndrome, incineration, toxic wastes, and other approaches to handling solid…

At the International Labor Conference held in Geneva in June 1990, the following topics were discussed: the Director-General's report on the environment and the world of work; night work; safety in the use of chemicals; working conditions in hotels, restaurants, and similar establishments; and the promotion of self-employment. (JOW)

School systems should test the air in every school building for the presence and level of contaminants such as radon and asbestos and whether the ventilation system is circulating the proper amount of air. Periodic maintenance is required for all mechanical systems. (MLF)