ASHLAND -- Elevated levels of the toxic compound acrolein have been found outside three elementary schools in Ashland and a former elementary school in Ironton, according to a report in USA Today.

"There isn't any immediate danger from acrolein at our school campuses," said Lisa Henson, director of student services for the Ashland Independent School District. "We monitor the results from the Environmental Protection Agency. We're working closely with the local Air Quality office. We didn't exceed acute levels for acrolein."

Acrolein is a toxic compound that comes from materials being burned including exhaust from cars, diesels and industrial boilers. It's found in cigarette smoke, smog and pesticides, said Stephanie McCarthy, technical services branch manager for the Kentucky Division of Air Quality in Frankfort.

"It's not a carcinogen, but it can irritate eyes, noses and throats," she said.

Children and adults with asthma and allergies may be more sensitive.

The federal EPA started monitoring air quality at dozens of schools across the country following a USA Today story that identified hundreds of schools where chemicals from nearby industries appear to saturate the air. The preliminary results are meant to help determine whether students face any immediate dangers from toxic chemicals, according to USA Today.

Air monitors were placed outside Crabbe Elementary, Charles Russell Elementary and Hatcher Elementary schools in Ashland about two months ago. Results from the 60-day monitoring study are starting to come in, McCarthy said. "We're just now starting to see the data," she said. "From what we've seen so far, acrolein is below the acute risk level. That's a good thing. We're not done monitoring yet. We need more data."

Once the $2.25 million monitoring program is finished, the Air Quality Division and the federal EPA will determine the next course of action, McCarthy said. "We're waiting for the federal EPA to guide us," she said. "I can't say when or how we will proceed."

The EPA will use additional measures to evaluate long-term health risks, Henson said. "Monitoring at the schools is not complete," she said. "The EPA will share more information as the monitoring continues."

A similar monitor was set up outside the former Whitwell Elementary School in Ironton. No students attend the school this year because the district opened a new consolidated elementary school in North Ironton in August.

Additional information is available at www.epa.gov/schoolair.

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