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The Wood County School District says, “Our schools have a lot of warm, wet places and they can have mold just like you do in your home,” ... “This is not the first school we’ve had concerns about. Not a year goes by that we don’t check a school,” for mold.(Parkersburg News)"
We disagree. Schools have far more mold problems than homes, due to poor maintenance practices and shoddy construction. How many of us have a lot of warm wet places in our homes? This is an example of trying to convince people that it is normal and acceptable to have mold in schools, which is most definitely not desirable.
The description of what is done if mold is found does not meet the guidelines for safe or effective mold remediation. See our Mold Remediation page for more information. Removing the source of moisture is imperative, first. Then correcting the mold problem, not relying on bleach or other harmful chemicals that do not solve mold problems but do increase the poor indoor air quality and sicken occupants. Yanking up moldy carpeting or removal of moldy ceiling tiles is not mold remediation - in fact, non-professionals doing this can spread the mold throughout the entire building, and make people sicker for a long time to come (SMH) .
Officials to test for mold in elementary school
http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/500943.html?nav=5061
By MICHAEL ERB POSTED: January 9, 2008
WILLIAMSTOWN — Wood County Schools is calling in a specialist this week after complaints of possible mold contamination in Williamstown Elementary School.
Lawrence Hasbargen, assistant superintendent of facilities for the school system, said a parent’s concern over a student’s worsening allergies prompted the move.
“Our schools have a lot of warm, wet places and they can have mold just like you do in your home,” he said. “This is not the first school we’ve had concerns about. Not a year goes by that we don’t check a school,” for mold.
The specialist, hired through the state Department of Education, is scheduled to begin testing at Williamstown Elementary after school on Thursday. Hasbargen said if mold is found within the school, proper steps will be taken in its removal.
Hasbargen said custodians are expected to check for signs of mold, such as discolored ceiling tiles, standing water or carpeting stains, on a regular basis. If evidence of mold is found, the tiles or carpeting is replaced and the area scrubbed with bleach to destroy the mold and prevent more from growing.
“That usually stops the problem right there,” Hasbargen said.
But Hasbargen said especially in basement areas, like the lower level of Williamstown Elementary, the air can be damp and mold may find places to grow. The testing will help officials determine where there might be a problem.
“We want parents to know what is going on and what we are doing to address this problem,” he said.
Contact Michael Erb at
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Mold Scare At Williamstown Elementary
WTAP News
Posted: 6:45 PM Jan 7, 2008
Last Updated: 11:58 PM Jan 7, 2008
Reporter: Allison Rhea
Email Address:
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3 comments
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Mold Scare at Williamstown Elementary
http://www.wtap.com/news/headlines/13511087.html#
(for video go to URL above)
It's most common in older buildings, but it can also grow in places you'd least expect, like your home or even your child's classroom. Some suspect it might be the case at Williamstown Elementary School.
"This morning, when I arrived at work, I got a telephone call from a school nurse saying that one of the principals in the school system had called her and said that a parent called and had concerns of mold in the school," says Wood County Schools Assistant Superintendent, Lawrence Hasbargen.
The West Virginia State Board of Education will now come to inspect the building, paying close attention to the basement.
"They'll be taking a look at appearance and seeing if there's any drops on ceilings. They'll be taking a look to see if there's any mold or surfaces that might have changed in color, because usually a change if color is something that gives us an essence that there might be an appearance of mold," says Hasbargen.
Mold is a very dangerous growth, especially for children with asthma or allergy problems. Those parents are especially worried.
"No, it's not safe for me to think that my grand kids are over there with all that mold and everything. He has allergies and everything else anyways, so it's definitely not good for him," says , grandmother of Williamstown Elementary student.
It might not be good for the students or staff at Williamstown Elementary, but the problem does have a solution.
So, if inspectors find mold in Williamstown Elementary School, the good news is, it can be killed with bleach or other cleaners. Keeping your child's safety a number one priority.
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