Brookhill changes cleaning solution to curb mold

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Brookhill changes cleaning solution to curb mold

By Holly Hollman

DAILY Staff Writer

hhollman@... · 340-2445

Decatur, Ala

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/050520/mold.shtml

ATHENS — Janitors are using non-toxic, environmentally safe cleaners

at Brookhill Elementary.

Although school leaders don't know if something is making children

sick, they want to take precautions. Superintendent Orman Bridges

Jr. said air samples and other tests on cleaning chemicals janitors

use showed one could cause skin rashes.

" The cleaning solution janitors used to wipe off desk tops could

cause skin rashes, " he told the Athens City Board of Education on

Thursday. " We've disposed of all the cleaners and are now using the

environmentally safe cleaners. "

Brookhill closed 52 days in 2000 for mold cleanup. Some parents and

staff think there still is a problem. Parents have told the board

and Athens City Council that students and staff are suffering from

rashes, nosebleeds and respiratory problems.

A historical study on the ground did not indicate any past

contamination that could cause problems.

Recent air samples indicated humidity levels were too low, which can

cause nosebleeds. The tests also said overall concentrations of

airborne mold and bacteria are within normal limits compared to

other published studies. An auditorium storage room that experienced

a leak in 2004 did have high concentrations of Aspergillus

versicolor, Aspergillus ustus, Stachybotrys chartarum and gram

negative rod bacteria, which can all be hazardous. A physical

education room had high concentrations of those substances and

Micrococcus bacteria.

Brookhill parent Vickie Chittam questioned why the board hasn't

cleaned these areas.

" And why wouldn't you test when you have a normal day with the

humidity? " she asked. " If you had children or grandchildren, or a

husband or wife there, would you want them exposed to something

harmful? "

Bridges said cleanup will begin when school ends for the summer. He

said the soil testing company, OMI, will remove debris from the

playground this summer.

" Apparently, trees were covered up near the playground, so they will

pull that out and examine it for any odors, " Bridges said.

He said workers have looked at the ductwork to make sure the air is

circulating properly in the physical education area.