An unusually high percentage of elementary schools and kindergartens in
Israel are unknowingly exposing their students to unacceptable radiation levels,
according to the NGO Malraz.
Malraz, the Council for the Prevention of
Noise and Air Pollution in Israel, conducted a study over the past three years
that found abnormally high radiation levels in 101 of 172 elementary schools
tested and 125 out of 814 kindergartens examined, according to data from the
organization.
Particularly disturbing is that for the cases in which deviations
from the norm occurred, relatively simple means to minimize or eliminate the
radiation damage exist, but the parent committees – which would have the most
sway among school and authorities testing for radiation – lack awareness on the
subject, according to Malraz.
“It is important to us that parents in Israel
be aware of the saddening results of data abnormalities in electricity exposure
to kindergarten and school students,” said Hilik Rosenblum, chairman of Malraz.
In response
to the report, an Education Ministry spokeswoman told The Jerusalem Post that
“in principle, the issue of radiation and its treatment is the responsibility of
local authorities.” Guidelines have been written by the Environmental Protection
Ministry on the subject, the spokeswoman said.
Danielle Ziri contributed to this report.