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Parents in this Alabama town took matters into their own hands and gathered data on the health symptoms of children in a sick school. See what they learned...
Note: This group used an informal survey. For something more formal:
Dr. John Santilli, Allergist, has developed a survey for environmental exposures. John Santilli, MD Address 4675 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA. E-mail:
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AL:
Council hears results of parent-led effort to identify Brookhill problems
In Decatur, Alabama, concerned parents develop a survey and collect student health data to prove extensive illness to board and district officials, re: a school that had "previous" mold problems that were addressed with $1 million spent on those efforts. The problem is, the children are still being sickened, parents feel.
Council hears results of parent-led effort to identify Brookhill problems
By Phil Willis,
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The News Courier, Athens, AL
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
"A group of concerned parents of Brookhill Elementary School students presented the Athens City Council Monday night with the results of a voluntary survey of student health problems.
The survey represents 73 of the 213 students registered at Brookhill -- 34 percent of the student body. Forms were passed out in the car line at the school, explained one of the parents, Mrs. Michael Fuqua, who conducted the survey."
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/050412/woes.shtml
Parents survey health woes
By Holly Hollman
DAILY Staff Writer
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· 340-2445
ATHENS — Parents presented city leaders with copies of surveys that indicate Brookhill Elementary students and staff are suffering from skin rashes, ear infections and other maladies.
In February, parents told the Athens city Board of Education they believe mold still is a problem because their children are getting sick with nosebleeds, sinus infections and other respiratory problems.
In 2000, the board closed Brookhill for 52 days when tests indicated there was mold in the facility. The board spent $1 million to clean and renovate the school.
Superintendent Orman Bridges Jr. said the board is waiting on a historical study on the land. Then the board will have soil samples taken.
"There's been no indication of a dump being there yet," Bridges said. "We probably will have the soil tested in another 2½ weeks."
Bridges said the board should receive results of air sample tests by the end of this week or early next week.
"Samples were taken from every room, including closets," he said.
The air tests will cost about $15,000 and the study $2,500. The study will determine the cost of drilling for soil samples.
The parents who conducted the voluntary survey on students' health gave surveys to parents waiting in the car pool line. They also surveyed staff members they could reach off school grounds.
Parent Carla Cannon said the superintendent's office and board members received the surveys on Thursday and she "has had no feedback."
Bridges said the parents' survey did show that students have the same kind of symptoms as those seeking first aid at other schools. The school system also sent survey letters regarding students' health that Bridges said still is being compiled.
Parent Brenda Boyd told the council that doctors have told her to remove her two sons from the school. One had sinus surgery two months ago, she said. The other had a fungus on his face.
Survey results from Brookhill students, staff
The following is information Brookhill Elementary parents compiled from a voluntary survey. Parents filled out a survey for 73 students, which is 34 percent of the schools' 218 students. Of the staff, 11 filled out a survey. Twelve students reported no health problems. Problem Students Staff
Headaches 29 10
Itchy, watery
or burning eyes 22 10
Dizziness 5 3
Breathing problems
ike shortness
of breath 19 2
Increased asthma
attacks 5 0
Increased allergy
symptoms 32 4
Drowsiness 7 5
Recurrent ear
infections 15 3
Nosebleeds 17 2
Skin rashes 19 8
Nasal congestion 38 5
Difficulty
concentrating 15 5
Chronic cough 16 2
Fatigue 26 5
Dry or sore
throat 28 6
Number with five
or more problems
circled 31 8
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