Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: February 2, 2005
CONTACT: Robert Vanderslice, Ph.D. 401-222-3424.

RI Schools Get Opportunity For Safe Removal Of Unwanted Chemicals At No Cost

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced that secondary schools in the state have the opportunity to apply for free removal of unwanted hazardous chemicals such as mercury, flammable solvents, explosive chemicals, etc. Some of the chemicals that qualify for free removal may be found in science labs, art rooms, maintenance sheds, and other storage areas.

The deadline to submit an application for this free program is February 18, 2005.

So far, nine school districts have taken advantage of this opportunity: Coventry, East Providence, Exeter-West Greenwich, Foster-Glocester, Johnston, Little Compton, Portsmouth, South Kingstown and Warwick.

Funding for this program is provided by the US EPA Region I Office.

These free services help Rhode Island schools come into compliance with the new School Health Regulations (R16-21-SCHO) that ban the purchase, ordering, and use of over 400 hazardous chemicals by schools. This ban goes into effect on August 31, 2005. The application can be downloaded here.

For additional information please contact Robert Vanderslice, Ph.D. at 401-222-3424.