When we think of environmental contamination and dangerous chemicals in schools, we generally don’t picture upscale areas like Malibu, California. However, serious health concerns have recently arisen at Malibu High School that have prompted action by school district officials. Malibu High serves as both a middle school and high school, increasing the number of students potentially affected by any contamination.
Four teachers at the school, which has 1,100 students spanning grades six through 12, have reportedly been diagnosed with cancer this year. Others have complained of migraine headaches and skin rashes. Some staff and students have reported feeling sick after spending time in affected classrooms. Kids are especially vulnerable to environmental hazards in schools, and families in the community are concerned for their loved ones’ safety and well-being. The disruption to student learning and daily life has been significant.
The Santa Monica-Malibu United school district, which includes Malibu High, says it was told earlier this year of health issues suffered by members of the school’s staff. The district says it immediately brought in an industrial hygienist to conduct testing at the school. The district ordered tests to identify potential sources of contamination, including air and surface samples.
Multiple areas of the school were tested for PCBs and other contaminants. The results of various tests conducted helped determine the extent of contamination. Los Angeles County public health experts have been called in to assist with the investigation, with the city’s role in coordinating the response to the contamination scare. The investigation was led by a team of district and public health officials, who are applying their knowledge and skills to assess the situation and recommend solutions.
Some Malibu High teachers have expressed concern about polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the soil around the school, as well as lead and other chemicals. PCB exposure can occur through air, dust, or contact with contaminated building materials, increasing health risks for students and staff. There have also been complaints about mold in some of the school’s classrooms. Many schools built before the late 1970s may still contain PCB-laden materials, such as caulk and light ballasts, which can deteriorate with age. The age of the school’s infrastructure may contribute to the presence of hazardous materials.
PCBs can leach from walls and other surfaces, contaminating indoor air. PCBs can also become airborne, posing inhalation risks. Dozens of old light ballasts may still be present in the school, increasing the risk of leaks. The company that originally manufactured or supplied PCB-containing materials also plays a role in the ongoing risks. Researchers have studied PCB contamination in schools and its health impacts, emphasizing the need for continued investigation. The risks of PCB contamination are not limited to Malibu High; elementary schools and other older schools may also face similar hazards.
Experts play down fears of “cancer clusters,” saying that environmental issues are rarely a cause of cancer, and particularly multiple cases of cancer in people working in one area. The best known instances involved asbestos that was linked to mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer, in the 1960s. According to the National Cancer Institute, thyroid cancer (which three of the Malibu High teachers are reportedly suffering) is relatively common, and affects nearly one in a hundred people during their lives. It has not been linked to PCBs, which are banned.
Nonetheless, Americans have become increasingly aware of and concerned about environmental contamination in recent decades, and employees have become more vocal about their fears. No one has filed a personal injury suit in the Malibu High case yet. However, school district officials are leaving nothing to chance by removing people from the building, and working to rule out environmental factors at the school as the cause of its employees’ health issues.
Warning signs have been posted around the school to alert the community to potential hazards. The district’s response has required a significant amount of money for thorough testing, remediation, and relocation efforts, and there is a need for federal or state grants to support cleanup and relocation. The situation has prompted the district to develop new protocols for environmental safety and crisis management, and to adopt new guidelines for environmental testing and remediation.
Community and institutional support is crucial for addressing environmental hazards in schools, and the challenges of dealing with contamination are ongoing. Some parents, including a mom who has spoken out about protecting her children from environmental risks at school, have shown passion in advocating for a safer school environment.
Students have acted as clients, presenting their concerns to school board members and local officials. The broader neighborhood, as well as nearby parks and recreational areas, could also be affected by contamination from the school site. Public health officials are also concerned about the safety of food served at the school. Current law requires schools to address known environmental hazards, but enforcement and funding can be inconsistent. A recent bill was introduced to improve environmental safety standards in schools.
Identifying specific sources of contamination, such as old caulk or light ballasts, is essential to effectively mitigate risks. Similar contamination problems have occurred in the past at other schools, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance and action.
Relocation Efforts
Relocating students and teachers from schools affected by PCB contamination has become an increasingly common and complex challenge for school districts in recent decades. At Malibu High School in California, the decision to move students and staff to alternative facilities came after a series of cancer diagnoses among teachers and growing concerns about toxic chemicals in the environment. The school district responded by bringing in an industrial hygienist to conduct thorough testing, and worked closely with public health experts to assess the risks and determine the best course of action.
Similar concerns have arisen at Sky Valley Education Center, where parents and teachers have voiced frustration over the school district’s handling of PCB contamination. Despite evidence of health risks dating back decades, some districts have been slow to act, prompting legal action from parents—including high-profile figures like model Cindy Crawford—demanding the removal of hazardous materials. These relocation efforts are not only logistically challenging but also require significant funding, which can strain the resources of school districts, particularly in less affluent areas.
Ultimately, the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff must remain the top priority. While the costs and disruptions associated with moving entire school communities are substantial, such measures are often necessary to protect lives and restore confidence in the safety of school facilities. The experiences of Malibu High School and Sky Valley Education Center underscore the importance of proactive testing, transparent communication, and swift action when contamination is suspected.
Broader Implications
The presence of PCB contamination and other toxic chemicals in schools raises serious concerns that go far beyond the immediate health risks faced by students and teachers. Exposure to these substances has been linked to increased cancer risk, immune system problems, and developmental issues in children, making it a pressing public health issue. The situation is further complicated by the inconsistent response from the Environmental Protection Agency and lawmakers, which has left many parents and school districts questioning whether enough is being done to protect children’s health.
School districts serving low-income and minority communities are often disproportionately affected by contamination, highlighting a troubling gap in environmental justice. The lack of adequate funding and resources can delay necessary testing and remediation, putting students and teachers at greater risk. These challenges are not unique to California or the United States; schools around the world face similar threats from aging buildings and outdated materials.
Addressing PCB contamination in schools requires a coordinated effort among government agencies, school districts, parents, and local communities. Stronger laws, increased funding, and greater awareness are essential to ensure that all children have access to safe, healthy learning environments. Ultimately, the goal must be to eliminate the threat of toxic chemicals in schools and to prioritize the well-being of students, teachers, and families everywhere.
Source: NBC News, “Malibu school officials battle health fears” Maggie Fox, Oct. 09, 2013
