Awards and Recognition News Brief (HQ): EPA Recognizes Organizations for Improving Chemical Safety in Schools
*CONTACT:* Latisha Petteway petteway.latisha@epa.gov 202-564-3191 202-564-4355 * * *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* Oct. 22, 2009 *EPA Recognizes Organizations for Improving Chemical Safety in Schools* * * *WASHINGTON** -* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is honoring 11 organizations for promoting responsible chemical management and helping remove potentially dangerous chemicals from K-12 schools in their communities. Working with EPA's Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3), the organizations removed an estimated 70,000 pounds of potentially dangerous chemicals from approximately 300 schools. "This campaign reflects the very best of what we have to offer. It brings together local volunteers, educators, partners in the business community, and many others in service to our communities, and helps us in our most important work: protecting the health and safety of our children," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We're grateful for all the dedicated citizens stepping up to confront our most urgent environmental and children's health challenges. They're ensuring that our schools are safe places for children to learn, play and grow." The organizations were recognized for a range of activities contributing to a reduction in chemical hazards, including: . assisting schools in developing accurate chemical inventories, . removing and properly disposing of outdated, unknown, and unneeded chemicals, and . establishing sustainable programs to properly manage chemicals by training school administrators and teachers on responsible chemical management and green lesson planning. EPA estimates that more than 33,000 middle and high schools across the country have potentially harmful chemicals that put students and staff at risk. SC3 works with schools, community organizations, and industry to help prevent chemical exposures through proper chemical management. More information: http://www.epa.gov/SC3 R305 Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. View all news releases related to awards and recognition [ http://service.govdelivery.com/service/edition.html?code=USAEPA_42&format=Web&email_type=bulletin ] ________________________________________________________________________ EPA Seal You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=USAEPA ]. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [ http://www.epa.gov/ ]. Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW . Washington DC 20460 . 202-564-4355