Updated 01/08/2011 09:48 AM
Sources: Staten Island Public School Tests Positive For PCBs
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There are calls for a Staten Island public school to be closed after dangerous levels of PCBs were found this week.
Sources tell NY1 two classrooms at PS 36 in Annadale were found to have levels well above the government safety standards.
According to the sources, the test showed PCBs at 1,000 to 12,000 parts per million.
The acceptable level is just 50 parts per million.
The Department of Education says the tests were done after a teacher complained about a leaky light before Christmas break.
In a letter to the teachers union, Deputy Mayor for Education Dennis Walcott says the classrooms were closed and will remain closed until the city is sure there is no health concern.
Walcott also says more air testing is being done this weekend to understand any potential exposure to PCBs.
The Environmental Protection Agency says it has not seen the sampling results. However, the agency says if PCBs found above the regulatory level are leaking from a lighting ballast, that ballast must be replaced.
The EPA is also recommending a system-wide check to determine what other lights might be leaking.
Sources tell NY1 the teachers union is calling the school a health hazard and demanding it be closed Monday.