EPA to monitor air pollution near Chicago school

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to monitor air pollution near a Catholic elementary school on Chicago's North Side.

Air around St. Josaphat School in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood will be tested for hexavalent chromium and heavy metals that may be emitted by nearby factories.

It's one of 62 schools in 22 states where the EPA will test outdoor air quality. Monitoring is expected to begin within three months.

The agency is focusing on toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer, respiratory and neurological problems. Children are more susceptible than adults to pollutants because they are still growing.

The EPA says it will take steps to reduce pollution if monitoring finds high pollution levels.