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This school district tampered with the environment in an allegedly moldy classroom that the teacher claimed was making her ill - then tested. When the test came back, predictably, with low levels of spores, the classroom was reopened for use. These types of irresponsible actions only address "the symptoms not the cause" of a sick building and expose students and occupants to hazardous, damp buildings (SMH).
Classroom to reopen after tests for mold
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19021395&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6
BY MEGAN REITER
STAFF WRITER
11/14/2007
LAKE ARIEL — The Western Wayne School District will reopen a classroom today one week after closing it because a tutor claimed it was making her sick.
In October, Brittany Mohila approached school officials, claiming Room 808 in the middle school was making her sick because she believed it contained mold, said Superintendent Andrew Falonk.
Last week, Mr. Falonk shut down the room and called for air-quality testing. He said he received confirmation Monday from SOS Mold in Moscow that the room, which was tested for mold and dander, did not present any health problems.
Frank Canning, a manager at Moscow-based SOS Mold, said the company tested the air both inside and outside the room.
“There’s always mold (in the air),” he said, “but this is about as low as you can get.”
Bill Wright, president of SOS Mold, said the room’s humidity level fell into the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended level of between 30 and 50 percent.
Prior to the testing, Mr. Falonk said the district washed down and put a dehumidifier in the room and changed all the ceiling tiles. One of the old ceiling tiles contained a spot of suspected mold about the size of a Post-it note and was caused by a drip in the heating unit, the superintendent said.
About 25 students use the room daily, he said, adding that it is also used for senior projects. The superintendent has not received complaints about the room from other students and faculty in the middle school or the adjoining high school.
Ms. Mohila, who addressed the School Board during last week’s public meeting, has asked the district for reimbursement for unspecified medical expenses, Mr. Falonk said.
Ms. Mohila refused to comment Tuesday.
She began working for the district this year as a tutor in the Educational Assistance Program for the middle and high schools for 180 days at a rate of $100 per day. The state funds the position. Ms. Mohila does not have a contract with the district nor does she receive medical benefits, Mr. Falonk said.
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©The Times-Tribune 2007
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