CDC Finds Mold at Houston School with Air Quality Concerns

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CDC Finds Mold at Houston School with Air Quality Concerns

HOUSTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has

confirmed the presence of mold at a middle school where numerous

employees and students reported getting sick.

In a letter released Thursday, two air-quality experts did not

address whether the mold found at Key Middle School was unsafe or

could have caused sickness reported by employees and students.

The district moved Key's 600 students to a nearby school in late

September after dozens of staffers and students complained of severe

headaches, chest pains, breathing problems and vomiting suffered

since school began Aug. 27.

School officials initially resisted calls by the Houston Federation

of Teachers to move students out of the school. Tests by an

independent contractor and city inspectors had not found unsafe

levels of mold.

Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra agreed to move the students after

U.S. Rep. Sheila Lee, D-Houston, asked federal inspectors to

visit the school.

The letter by Burton, an industrial hygiene specialist, and

Gibbins, an epidemiologist, said the district is making progress

to improve conditions at the school, the Houston Chronicle reported

in a story posted on its Web site Thursday.

The experts from the CDC also said the district should keep

monitoring the school's ventilation units.

The pair visited the school in late September to take samples and

meet with Key employees and district officials.

Last month, Burton told the newspaper that damp conditions at Key

could have caused illnesses, especially in those with sensitive

allergies.

The letter said a complete report is upcoming.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5227235.html