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School administrators and workers in this Independence, Missouri school district's Education Center were whisked out of the premises to address their environmental exposure, noted to likely be from mold. How different this story is from those of schools where children and teachers are continually exposed to mold and the district experts claim it could not be from mold. Perhaps the difference could be explained by the fear of litigation from the parents of sick children?
This case shows that prompt removal, a very important feature of protecting sick building occupants, is very possible when the will to do so exists (SMH).
Mold possible cause of 'sick building'
http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=8180015
Associated Press - April 17, 2008 7:24 AM ET
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) - Mold has been found in an old Independence School District building where the superintendent and about 20 other employees fell ill. (emphasis by SMH)
Superintendent Jim Hinson said Wednesday the mold was uncovered by environmental workers inspecting the district's central office. Last month about one-third of the employees began having respiratory problems, tingling or numbness in their arms and legs, muscle aches and fatigue.
In mid-March, the district moved the headquarters into a former car dealership. Hinson said some employees have told him they feel better since leaving the building.
Neither staff members or patrons at a senior center in the same building have reported similar health problems. A spokeswoman said the two facilities have separate ventilation systems.
Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.
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Mold Found In Board Of Education Building
Environmental Experts Continue Testing
http://www.kctv5.com/news/15914717/detail.html
POSTED: 4:45 pm CDT April 17, 2008
UPDATED: 5:19 pm CDT April 17, 2008
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- Environmental experts found mold in a building closed after a mystery illness struck 20 Independence School District employees, including the district superintendent.
The district closed the Independence Board of Education Building last month after employees experienced respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness and serious muscle problems. Some workers spent days in the hospital.
Employees have been working out of a car dealership building on Noland Road while environmental experts have been testing the building.
Officials announced that the experts found at least four types of mold in the building, including Stachybotrys. The mold was found on the top two floors of the four-story building.
"We do not have a definitive medical diagnosis that says mold is what has caused the symptoms. We also do not know if there are other contaminants that may be in the building in addition to mold," Hinson said. "That testing, again, continues."
The testing could last weeks or even months, and district officials don’t know yet whether the building can be rehabilitated.
Previous Stories:
April 17, 2008: Mold Possible Cause Of 'Sick Building' http://www.kctv5.com/news/15908016/detail.html
March 14, 2008: Independence Schools To Close 'Sick Building' http://www.kctv5.com/news/15599686/detail.html
Copyright 2008 by KCTV5.com. All rights reserved
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