Schools begin testing for PCBs

CHESAPEAKE – Testing for potentially cancer-causing chemicals begins this week at a Chesapeake school and is already done in Suffolk.

Great Bridge Primary is among several schools in Hampton Roads that will undergo testing to determine whether PCBs are in the air.

In September, the EPA issued an alert saying PCBs could be in caulk on doors and windows in structures built between 1950 and 1978.  The EPA warned of the potential danger, noting that long-term exposure to PCBs can cause cancer and other health problems.

Suffolk recently did air tests at Driver Elementary, JFK Middle School and Kilby Shores Elementary.  Officials have not gotten the results back yet.

Chesapeake will begin air testing Saturday at Great Bridge Primary.

"It's a precaution. We want to make sure if we do have any PCBs in the schools that we need to address that remove those and make sure everything is safe for our students and staff," said Chesapeake Schools spokesman Tom Cupitt.

Norfolk, Portsmouth and Va. Beach said they play to do air testing but they haven’t decided when to begin.

CHESAPEAKE SCHOOL INSPECTION:  Great Bridge Primary, Western Branch Middle School, Indian River High School

SUFFOLK SCHOOL INSPECTION:  Driver Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Kilby Shores Elementary