Video - Mystery Mold Getting Kids Sick At Daytona Beach School

February 8, 2008

Mystery Mold Getting Kids Sick At Daytona Beach School

February 8, 2008

WFtv.com - Orlando,FL*

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Children are starting to get sick from a

mysterious mold at a Daytona Beach elementary school. Toxicologists

came out to Longstreet Elementary, but they still can't figure out

what's causing the mold.

It's difficult to track down, too. The classrooms were just rebuilt

this winter and a mold expert Friday explained that all it takes is

some moisture like Thursday night's rain to get in during the

rebuilding and then one tiny spore in one tiny crack can lead to big

problems.

Tampa toxicologists and the county health department inspected the

row of moldy classrooms Friday at Longstreet Elementary School. They

found no obvious mold or environment for mold growth.

" It is serious and it is a problem, " said parent Cheryl .

Air samples confirmed the mold was there last month and 's

experience with her daughter tells her it was a serious amount.

" The doctor checked her again for her breathing and he can hear the

wheezing inside. And he put her on a breathing machine, " she said.

Other parents are now reporting similar symptoms in their children.

" Stomach aches, severe stomach aches. She had bleeding, a bloody

nose, which she never had in her life, " said parent Durning.

" My child's been coughing and stuff lately, too. I don't know if

it's due to the mold, but it concerns me. Her teacher's concerned

about it, " said parent Wirth.

Last week, the school pulled everything out of the rooms and said

the carpet, still wet from cleaning, was the likely suspect. That's

gone, but the Health Department found signs of other potential

causes, personal items still inside other classrooms under repair.

They could collect dust and mold and spread it when students and

teachers move back in.

One parent Friday didn't want to talk on camera but said he's even

considering a lawsuit against the district.

The district spokesman said it's unclear what responsibility it

would bear, if any, for the kids who are getting sick.

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