A Bay Area high school will remain closed until toxic substance control inspectors decide it\u2019s safe for students to head back for the new school year, according to school district officials.<\/p>\n
The shutdown of Kennedy High School, in Richmond, California, about 20 miles from San Francisco, came after vapor test results showed levels of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) on site, West Contra Costa Unified School District officials said<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe recognize the urgency of this situation and that this is a concerning update as the start of the school year is rapidly approaching,\u201d district superintendent Cheryl Cotton wrote in an email to the school community.<\/p>\n Kennedy High School in Richmond, California. Google Maps<\/p>\n Vapor test results showed levels of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) on site. Getty Images\/Tetra images RF<\/p>\n \u201cWhile the Department of Toxic Substances Control has told WCCUSD that they believe that, based on the preliminary results available, there is no immediate risk to health and safety, further testing is needed in order to verify that it is safe for students and staff to be on campus,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n Tetrachloroethylene exposure can be harmful to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and reproductive system. It can also intoxicate unborn children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a> says that people exposed to tetrachloroethylene, may also be at a higher risk of getting certain types of cancer.<\/p>\n Cotton said the district decided to close down the school \u201cout of an abundance of caution.\u201d<\/p>\n As of late, no staff or students are allowed on Kennedy\u2019s campus until additional testing is completed, and authorities say the school is safe, officials said.<\/p>\n A high school student walks down a dark hallway in a public high school, silhouetted by daylight spilling in and reflecting off of the floor and lockers, on Friday, September 4, 2009. Getty Images<\/p>\n