Mold in a Rochester School Building

September 23, 2005

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Updated: 09-22-2005 07:32:52 PM

Austin, MN

(KAAL) -- An area school district has a two-point two million dollar

mold problem, and some employees are complaining of health problems.

The Rochester School District says a dirty duct system caused the

problem, affecting an administration building known as the Edison

Building.

Employees who work in the Edison Building have complained of

hoarseness, eye irritation, and sinus infections. After two air

quality inspections found the ventilation system doesn't meet

building code. The district is now planning to replace the heating

and cooling ducts.

You'll remember the first air quality inspection in 2003 led the

district to try to clean the mold from the 30-year-old duct system.

These pictures from the second inspection show that did not solve

the problem.

Dave Gutterud of the Indoor Environmental Group said, " I don't know

that the problem would be considered major it's a problem we

normally see with this type of duct work. As time goes on the design

lends itself to accumulate dust and debris and mold spores.

The plans to fix the ducts must be approved by the state department

of education.

Paired with other maintenance projects at the Edison Building. The

total cost will be about 5.5 million dollars to local taxpayers.

Cheryl Coryea the Director of Business Services said, " This is

something that we would put into the alternative facilities levy so

it does become a local property tax issue. "

The staff at the Edison Building have already cut back on using the

air conditioning. They've also installed window air conditioning

systems and air purifiers.

The air inspectors say there is no reason for staff or parents to be

concerned. And very few students use the Edison Building, so there

is no reason they should be concerned either.

- Lindsey Stimpson

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