Seriousness of Kings mold problem subject to debate

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Wednesday, August 3, 2005

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Seriousness of Kings mold problem subject to debate

By Braud Staff Reporter

KINGS MILLS - Over the past several months a controversy has emerged

in shouting matches at board meetings between parents and the Kings

Local School District Board of Education about possible mold and

humidity problems within the high school.

Parents are concerned that high levels of mold are contaminating the

school, making it unsafe for their children. At the June 21 school

board meeting Kim Grant, Brown and Meyer stood before the

school board to discuss their concerns.

Brown pointed out that Pinnacle Environmental Consultants Inc.

completed a report which " fully detailed the growth of microbial

colonies of various molds, including those believed by environmental

scientists to cause adverse health affects. "

Sanitarian Administrator for Warren County Board of Health Larry

Wiser said usually if someone is sensitive to mold it's a fairly

quick reaction similar to an allergy. Some symptoms could include

nasal congestion, inflammation of the eye or an asthma attack.

He also said everyone has different sensitivities and reactions to

mold. Some people aren't bothered by mold at all.

Wiser said he hasn't heard of any problems at Kings for at least a

year.

On Sept. 20, 2001, Pinnacle conducted an air, wipe and bulk sampling

survey. A comparison of mold levels was done between outdoor and

indoor levels. Some findings from the report:

" Laboratory analysis results indicated the presence of minor fungal

growth in air samples collected within the subject areas. "

Penicilium and black mold, usually associated with water damage,

were identified in two rooms.

Pinnacle's recommended the school remove all water damaged areas and

fix high humidity problems within the building.

A note from the school shows ceiling tiles and carpet were replaced

along with a complete cleaning of the walls. There is no data

suggesting humidity problems were fixed.

" A 2003 report from Pinnacle also established that mold continued to

grow in the high school, " Brown said. He also said black mold was

found again.

This report was not available.

In 2004 " Pinnacle once again came out, and confirmed several

varieties of mold were growing, this time in our auditorium and in

the hallway outside of it, " Brown said.

The report from Aug. 11, 2004, showed high humidity was to blame for

mold problems in the auditorium. However, no black mold was found in

the school.

" Based on visual observations and laboratory analysis, Pinnacle

believes that airborne concentrations of fungal growth inside the

auditorium were not elevated at the time of the sampling as compared

to the non-complaint area and outdoor levels, " the report said.

Pinnacle recommended the school start using dehumidifiers when the

carpet is shampooed or the floors are waxed and sealed.

Superintendent Chuck Mason said at the June 21 board meeting that

the school has been doing this.

The school showed in a written note that insulation was replaced and

problem ceiling tiles were replaced with mold resistant ones.

The final complaint came in June when Grant and Meyer walked through

the school with a custodian to look for mold and humidity problems.

" () Meyer (of Industrial Mechanical Contractors) reported to the

board that black mold is presently found within ceiling tiles and on

water lines above the ceiling, and 'the type and amount of mold

could have possibly existed for approximately one year,' " Brown

said.

Meyer made this statement after visual observation. No tests were

done on the possible mold, said Steve Waldmann, manager of school

business affairs.

Proactive Consulting Services came out to the school June 25 to

remove any mold.

The report showed that no black mold was found within the school.

Moldy pipe insulation was also removed. Waldmann is working with

custodial and maintenance staff this summer to fix humidity problems

within the school.

lbraud@...

248-7129

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