"Asthma and Sick Building Syndrome are commonly reported ... (studies suggest) such symptoms in schools are related to exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), molds and microbial VOCs, and allergens." (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Daisey et al, 2003)
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Superintendent: Mold Problem Will Be Gone When School Returns
This superintendent is concerned enough about the mold in a music room to have it removed over the summer. We hope that correct remediation methods were used and that the building will become a healthy place to be. We commend this school district on their efforts with the building problems, and wish more school superintendents became scared by mold in their schools and took decisive action, like Superintendent Kirk Glasgow. However, that is not a guarantee that all the sick people will recover. Their sick building symptoms might linger for months, years, or a lifetime, as molds and mycotoxins may enter the bloodstream through the skin, sinuses or lungs, then multiple organ systems can become (temporarily or permanently) inflamed and sometimes, colonized. It sounds like the district continued to use the room even when people were ill from it. That, in itself, is a major, earlier mistake. The room could have been immediately closed off when the first complaints occurred, pending an inspection. Now, what is this district going to do about the sick people? (SMH)
Superintendent: Mold Problem Will Be Gone When School Returns
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio -- A potentially toxic situation at Union Local Elementary is wiped out -- that's what school officials told parents at Wednesday night’s school board meeting. The mold growing in the walls that was making people sick is gone, but the school is left with a pretty hefty bill. "The kids eyes would water, they'd cough and their noses would run. Often times we'd get very sick," said music teacher Marrian Martin. The potentially toxic mold was growing in the walls of the music room. "I think when I'm scared, I work pretty fast. I was very scared about this situation," said Superintendent Kirk Glasgow. Glasgow said he got on it -- called in the experts and got the problem wiped out. Experts from Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration we called in to remove the mold. "We came in, removed it, cleaned everything that needed cleaned and got rid of the mold spores," said Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration’s Vice President Bob Contraguerro. What's more – they’re planning to clean all the duct work as well, to get rid of any spores, dust or debris. The total bill for the school comes to about $200,000. "[It’s] all out of pocket. No federal grants in any way shape or form," said Glasgow. Glasgow admitted it’s a lot of money, but he said the safety of his students and staff is hard to put a price on. Martin said she's looking forward to getting her music class back and have the kids singing again without the sniffles. "It sounds like they got the right experts and the building is going to be fine," said Martin. Glasgow told NEWS9 he is hoping to get some help from the state to help them foot that bill. He's said it's a lengthy process though, and there's no guarantee.
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Related stories about Union School Mold by this TV station:
School Takes Action On Mold Problem. An elementary school in Belmont County is trying to quash a mold problem that’s surfaced. Environmentalists, school board members and teachers met at Union Local...
Superintendent: Mold Problem Will Be Gone When School Returns. A potentially toxic situation at Union Local Elementary is wiped out -- that's what school officials told parents at Wednesday night’...