Mould causing concern in classrooms

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Mould causing concern in classrooms

By Higginson, johnh@...

Monday 28th November, 2005

Posted: 06:38 CIT (11:38 GMT)

Grand Cayman,Cayman Islands

http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1009209

Mould in modular classrooms is causing problems and concern at

Cayman's schools.

Education Minister Alden McLaughlin told Friday's Cabinet press

briefing that remedial work is due to be carried out in one of the

units over the weekend.

And if the action taken is effective in reducing the problem of

moisture, it would be applied to all the modules.

But, if not, more extensive contingency plans have been developed,

he told the briefing.

Mr. McLaughlin said significant concerns had been raised because

high levels of humidity were being found which, if left unchecked,

could lead to mould growth.

It is thought that the modular classrooms had been sourced from

places with different climates to that of Cayman and that had

contributed to the problems being encountered at Hicks and

Gray.

Where mould growth had been detected, action was taken to remove the

mould and do remedial work prior to use by students, said Mr.

McLaughlin.

A professional remediation company had been brought in to carry out

a survey of air quality in one of the Gray modulars, he told

the briefing.

Although they found elevated moisture levels, but no mould, the high

moisture levels continued to be a concern, he said.

Action is being taken to install new thermostats, to keep the rooms

at a fixed temperature and to upgrade filters, Mr. McLaughlin told

the briefing.

Schools were also being advised to not saturate the floors when

cleaning, to minimise the amount of time the doors were kept open

and to ensure air conditioning units were kept on all the time, he

said.

One teacher had apparently spoken about " fumes " and complained of

feeling nausea in relation to one of the modules, the briefing was

told

Mr. McLaughlin said the health and safety of teachers and students

was of paramount importance and everything possible would be done to

address the problems.