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The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA
ELECTION: R-52 will make schools safer
Teresa R. McCormick, Lakewood
Published October 15, 2010 Share this
One important point of savings to be mentioned with regard to Referendum 52 is the prevention of the long-term chronic sequelae caused by environmental toxic exposures in schools as from asbestos, mold, lead and other toxic substances.
Many teachers are now out on disability from asthma and chemical sensitivity because of exposures in the workplace.
CDC recognizes the changes in immune systems from exposures to large amounts of indoor mold resulting in conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and chemical sensitivity.
It is estimated as much as 30 percent of weight gain in our population is due to low Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone and high leptin, which are markers of toxin exposure. Asthma costs more than $400 million each year for Washington in both medical expenditure and lost productivity.
Washington state ranks highest in the nation for death by Alzheimer's disease. An Alzheimer's-like state results in many people exposed to indoor mold. Teachers are the top profession for the development of Parkinson's disease.
Autisim has risen 1,000 percent since 1979 and is linked to toxic exposures to substances like mold. Autism development also parallels the use of OSB in buildings. OSB is a known mold producer when exposed to moisture from water leaks.
It makes good economic sense to keep our schools in good physical condition. Infrastructure projects by the federal government to provide jobs in times of high unemployment have been a longstanding remedy. R-52 provides a timely and effective solution to unemployment.
Tags: Referendum 52
Comments
6 Responses to “ELECTION: R-52 will make schools safer”
ktcmairman says:
October 18, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Why don;t we build the schools right the first time??? Do you think we are that dumb to fall for your statements??
Maybe!
NoMoreSchoolMold says:
October 22, 2010 at 7:00 am
Teresa, you are correct. Most of the public isn't aware that the building codes are not always followed with school construction, even many brand new schools have mold due to defective construction and use of moldy materials, the previous and existing building codes lend themselves to trapping moisture and producing mold, and that our schools are often so poorly maintained that even if a building was ok to start with, it could be damp and moldy in less than a decade. Most parents don't realize that schools are some of the least safe places in the nation, due to dampness and mold, indoors. Yes, millions of people have their health seriously impacted by exposure and the World Health Organization agrees with this, in their report, WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (2009). Our citizenry needs to wake up to these facts and protect our children and school staff. All Americans cycle through our schools. At any given time, during the week, 20% of the US population is in schools. Visit http://www.schoolmoldhelp.org to learn more.
Read more: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/letters/2010/10/15/referendum-52-needs-a-yes-vote/comment-page-1/#comment-27743#ixzz1361vLP8d
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