Update - Mold tests at normal levels

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Study: Mold tests at normal levels

March 15, 2008

Post Tribune - ,IN*

By DeNeal Post-Tribune correspondent

http://www.post-trib.com/news/844149,gmold.article

GARY -- More than 100 students and parents crowded inside the

cafeteria at Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts on Friday

to talk about mold problems that some say are causing illnesses.

Parents and students strained to ask questions and make comments to

Principal Noah Riley, School Board members, Superintendent

Steele-Agee and Dragan Vjestica of VAM Lab Inc.

Vjestica, who was hired by Community School Corp. to collect

samples in four classrooms, said three mold spores were discovered --

Alternaria, Cladosporium and Aspergillus penicillium -- and that

test results showed safe, normal levels.

Vjestica also said the Indiana Department of Health also approved

the test results as being within a normal range of mold based on

tests done inside the school and outside.

" The three mold spores in the school are the same as what are in

your homes, " he said. He said periodic air quality samples were

taken in three additional classrooms.

Riley and School Board member Wheeler said industrial

dehumidifiers and air purifiers were placed in classrooms.

Wheeler said that during spring break, which starts Friday, a

thorough cleaning, sanitizing and more testing throughout the

building will take place with help from the maintenance department.

Some students and parents said they were upset that nothing was

being done to remove students from the building.