Kennedy High School Set to Reopen After PCE Traces Found in Soil
Kennedy High School in Richmond is scheduled to reopen as planned following the discovery of traces of the toxic chemical PCE in soil samples earlier this summer. Recent air sample tests have confirmed that the chemical is not present in…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 13, 2026 —
Kennedy High School in Richmond is slated to reopen as originally scheduled, despite the earlier discovery of traces of the toxic chemical PCE in soil samples taken on campus this summer.
The school’s planned reopening comes after recent air quality tests indicated that the chemical, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), is not present in the air across most areas of the school grounds.
PCE is a volatile organic compound that can be harmful if inhaled or if it comes into prolonged contact with the skin. It has been used historically as a degreaser and dry-cleaning solvent.
The presence of PCE in soil samples had raised concerns regarding potential health risks for students and staff. However, the results from subsequent air sampling appear to have allayed these immediate environmental health concerns for the campus environment.
Further details regarding the specific locations where PCE was detected in the soil, the exact levels found, and the scope of the air testing conducted were not immediately available.
The school district has stated that the reopening will proceed as planned. Additional information on the testing protocols and mitigation efforts, if any, has not been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by J.R. Stone on abc7news.com, see more information here.
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