A new report highlights a public health issue in Pennsylvania’s schools, finding that environmental hazards like lead, mold, and radon are impacting schools and students throughout the state. The study, conducted by the Pittsburgh-based organization Women for a Healthy Environment, was released in a report titled the 2025 State of Environmental Health in Pennsylvania Schools Report.
The report examines various environmental factors, including water quality, air quality, and the presence of lead, mold, and radon. A random sample of schools across the state found that 75% of those that tested for radon had levels exceeding the federal action level. Additionally, 52.3% of schools that tested their drinking water for lead exceeded the action level, and 61.5% had mold present at levels high enough to require remediation.
Most Pennsylvania schools were built before 1978, the year a ban on indoor lead paint took effect. The report notes that older buildings, such as the average Philadelphia school, often have issues like asbestos and lead contamination. The findings show that while some schools are improving, environmental hazards continue to be a problem.
The study, which surveyed about 10% of schools in six different regions of Pennsylvania, also revealed that remediation was noted in less than a third of school districts with mold and lead in the drinking water, and in only 5% of districts with radon issues. The report found that schools in Southwestern Pennsylvania had a lower rate of environmental testing and compliance with best practices, largely due to funding and spending priorities.
According to the report, Pennsylvania schoolchildren face an average asthma rate of 13.9%, which is nearly double the national average. Some districts have rates as high as 32.6%. The report also states that when a student’s health is impacted, it can also affect their academic performance.
State Senator Devlin Robinson believes the report brings to light the dangerous conditions in many schools. He hopes the General Assembly will take action to ensure the safety and health of children, educators, and staff. Education advocates believe that the issues in school facilities need to be addressed, but they cite a lack of state funding as a significant barrier.
The report calls for a greater investment in safer schools and construction, better indoor air quality, and green cleaning practices. It is clear that large, multi-year investments are needed to fully address the environmental hazards that many schools and students face. The report concludes that while the knowledge and tools exist to create healthier environments, the prioritization and political will to make it happen are missing.
