22,942 of 127,809 schools have worse air.
Note: Rankings are based on modeled concentrations and severity of chemicals known or believed to cause cancer. Learn More
Note: Rankings are based on modeled concentrations of chemicals that cause health problems other than cancer. Learn More
Definition: Acetaldehyde is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. Sometimes identified as the chemical that causes hangovers, it occurs naturally in some foods and is used to manufacture other chemicals, such as acetic acid. It can be dangerous when exposed to heat or flame. It is reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen in humans, based on experiments with animals. Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer
Definition: Formaldehyde, a colorless gas, is used in the production of fertilizer, paper and plywood as well as in some cosmetics and medicines. It can trigger asthma and irritate eyes, nose, throat and skin. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen in cases of prolonged exposure. Source: EPA, HHS
Definition: Manganese is used to produce pesticides, batteries and other industrial products. Although trace elements are found in food and are considered essential for good health, overexposure for long periods can cause mental and emotional disturbances and slow and clumsy body movements -- a disease of the brain called manganism. Children are more vulnerable to such exposures than adults. EPA says that it cannot be determined if there is a link between manganese and cancer.
Definition: These 15 chemicals, sometimes called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are the result of incomplete combustion of organic compounds. They are found in coal tar, gasoline and diesel exhaust, and wood smoke, and are used in many industries, including steel. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to coke oven emissions caused lung and urinary cancers in workers. These chemicals are reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Definition: Ammonia is a colorless gas used in many household and industrial cleaners as well as fertilizers. Routine exposure to ammonia has no effects on health, but breathing very high concentrations can cause lung damage and swallowing ammonia can cause burns. No connection has been found between ammonia and cancer. Source: EPA
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, University of Massachusetts at Amherst Political Economy Research Institute
* Chemicals most responsible for the toxicity outside this school may not add up to 100% because only the top chemicals are listed.