Environmental Safety

When families discover potential environmental threats to their children’s health in public school buildings, PA/PTAs can step in and advocate for safe renovation procedures. After learning that its school would undergo repairs for a leaky roof and mold, the PTA at Brooklyn’s P.S. 29 decided to take action to ensure that required safety precautions were followed during the renovation project. They solicited the help of nonprofit organizations, health experts, elected officials, and others. The process inspired New York Lawyers for the Public Interest’s Environmental Justice and Community Development Program to create a pamphlet to help guide other parents dealing with school construction issues.

Success Story

Is Your School Renovation Safe?

In 2012, we were excited when we heard that the City was going to repair leaks in P.S. 29’s roof and walls and get rid of mold in our classrooms. We also had questions about h...

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NYLPI's "Safe School Renovation" manual

School renovations are critical for promoting healthy school environments, but a major construction project can create its own health risks. This manual is a “know your rights” guide that can help parents protect children’s health during school construction.

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ORGANIZATION

NYLPI's Environmental Justice and Community Development Program

Find information on the program's efforts to remove toxic PCB light fixtures in NYC public schools and its work with parent associations and community groups fighting the building of schools on toxic sites.

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