A working paper from Brown University’s Annenberg Institute found nearly 10,000 schools—about 8% of U.S. public and private schools—sit within a quarter mile of hazardous environmental sites, exposing roughly 3.4 million students to acute pollutant risks. The study highlights disproportionate impacts on Black, Native American, Hispanic and low‑income students. Researchers warned contaminants like lead, arsenic and asbestos can infiltrate school buildings and affect cognition, attendance and long‑term health—potentially widening educational inequities. The paper calls for environmental remediation, targeted funding, and policy coordination between education and environmental agencies. School systems, state education leaders, and campus planners will need to factor environmental health into capital decisions, facilities upgrades, and student‑safety plans. The findings could influence federal grant priorities and local bond proposals tied to school infrastructure and HVAC upgrades.