Within three months, the U.S. EPA could begin monitoring the air pollution around two Northwest Indiana schools.

The EPA announced Tuesday that it would begin monitoring hazardous air pollutants near more than 60 schools in 22 states located in urban areas or near large industrial facilities.

Among the schools to be watched are Lincoln Elementary School in East Chicago and Jefferson Elementary in Gary.

Officials will monitor specific air toxins for 60 days, sampling the air about 10 times within that period. They will test for the pollutants will the highest potential to cause cancer or other significant respiratory or neurological problems, the EPA said.

State and local agencies are expected to conduct the monitoring under EPA guidance. The EPA will provide $2.25 million in grants to fund the effort, the agency said.

"EPA, state, and local officials are mobilizing to determine where elevated levels of toxics pose a threat, so that we can take swift action to protect our children at their schools," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a statement.

If the EPA finds problems at the schools, it will work with state and local officials to address them, the agency said.

Last week, a Crown Point man filed a lawsuit in Lake Superior Court against 11 industries operating in the region, including U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal USA Inc.

The suit claims the companies are responsible for emitting toxic pollutants into the air that are harmful to children.

For more information about school monitoring, go to www.epa.gov/schoolair.