Burke County School Admin Investigating Mold In School

August 24, 2005

POSTED: 6:41 pm EDT August 23, 2005

UPDATED: 6:55 pm EDT August 23, 2005

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BURKE COUNTY, N.C. -- East Burke Middle School in Burke County has a

problem with mold. School leaders said they're going to work

overtime to clean up what they can for class on Thursday.

The superintendent of Burke County Schools, Burleson, said the

school's air conditioner is causing the mold. He said it's too big

and is pulling too much moisture into the school.

Teachers at the middle school can see mold on desks, books and even

on a remote control in the media center.

Burleson addressed the issue in front of every teacher at the school.

But it's not just teachers who are concerned. Parent Felicia

Hildebran has a daughter who will attend the school.

" This is a big health issue. I don't think it is fit for the kids or

the teachers or any of the faculty to be in the school until the

problem is fixed, " said Hildebran.

Burleson said the mold has been a problem at the school for years.

He said the problem has gotten worse because of the humid summer and

the aging air-conditioning system.

" We don't want kids in an unsafe environment and we're not going to

put them in an unsafe environment, " said Burleson. " If we had major

mold problems -- mold growing everywhere -- if we had toxic mold in

there, we wouldn't be looking at putting kids there. "

The district plans on hiring an engineer to determine if the system

needs to be replaced.

One custodian is working full time cleaning the mold this week.

While some teachers are pleased that something is being done, others

are concerned about health problems.

" Summer time, when I'm out, I'm fine, " said teacher Rendy

Wheeler. " I go home in the afternoons with headaches and I think

it's the mold. "

You can find mold virtually everywhere, both inside and outdoors.

The spores molds release can become toxic. Allergic reactions

include fever, skin rashes, eye irritation, and breathing problems.

These symptoms are common after being exposed to mold

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