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My mom works as a bilingual clerk at an elementary school. The school is located on 81st avenue, Oakland, which isn't really the safest area of town in terms of crime. In the surrounding area, my mother noted that there are several factories, construction and trucking companies around the school. Children and staff go outside every day for recess. Given the amount of vehicle exhaust and pollution produced by the factories and companies, children and teachers are most likely being exposed to toxic fumes. Though little can be done to eliminate or substitute the chemical hazards currently in the air, perhaps some engineering controls can be put in place to improve air quality. Improving the school's air ventilation would be one thing that can be done to ensure that children are breathing clean air in their classrooms. Wearing mask would be less effective, it would not solve anything but maybe support children who do have more respiratory issues than other children. Future elimination or substitution attempts would involve either moving the school to a better location or petitioning that the companies move or use alternative chemicals.

I think the main barriers to having a healthy work space are mostly financial, which my mom agrees with. The Oakland Unified School District isn't the wealthiest nor the best at allocating funds. Financing better ventilation systems and building quality is key to having a healthier environment for children and adults alike. Employees are stressed and easily burnt out, there isn't enough money for school supplies let alone a better ventilation system. 





Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 5, 2018 at 4:54 PM

    This is super interesting to hear. I recently met an CA state agency employee who is working to create regulation to protect the air conditions in urban school districts. We discussed situations which sound similar to the one you describe, and was excited to tell me that one such piece of legislation is moving forward. With all we know today about childhood airway diseases and the importance of clean air, I hope it does pass through!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sintia ShahbazNovember 5, 2018 at 6:04 PM

    I agree with you and your mom. When you want to create a safe environment I feel that the most important aspect is the financial aspect of it. It is important to put the right funding towards this though, because it is putting the lives of the younger children at risk.

    ReplyDelete

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