Independent study finds acceptable air at elementary school

[Guest guest]

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Independent study finds acceptable air at elementary school

Kemptown's portables deemed safe from health risks for students

Business Gazette - Gaithersburg,MD*

by Mullen | Staff Writer

http://www.gazette.net/stories/071008/newmnew193733_32360.shtml

An independent study of the air quality inside six portable

classrooms at Kemptown Elementary School in Monrovia has found no

significant conditions that could pose health risks to students.

The June 16 report, conducted by an industrial hygienist from AERO

Environmental Health & Safety Inc., in Ellicott City, was recently

made public to Kemptown Elementary School parents. Frederick County

Public Schools paid for the investigation.

On May 28, the industrial hygienist visually inspected each of the

portables and measured temperatures and levels of humidity, carbon

dioxide, hydrocarbon and mold spores inside the classrooms. The

purpose of the investigation was to identify problems that could

create poor indoor air quality or worsen it.

Earlier this year, some parents of fourth-graders were concerned

that the air quality inside the portables was making their children

sick. Parents said students complained of chronic headaches, coughs,

nausea and unexplained bloody noses. All fourth-grade students at

Kemptown Elementary attend classes in the portables. The buildings

range in age from four to 31 years old.

In April, Olsen, industrial hygienist for Frederick County

Public Schools, tested the indoor air quality of the portables and

found normal temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide and carbon

dioxide levels. A previous test for mold and moisture in March

showed no adequate conditions for mold to grow inside the classrooms.

After a May 8 meeting with parents to discuss these findings, school

staff agreed to increase the ventilation in the portables.

According to AERO's report, temperature and humidity levels in all

portables were within the acceptable ranges of 68 to 75 degrees

Fahrenheit and 30 to 60 percent, respectively, as recommended by the

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning

Engineers.

No other sources of hydrocarbons, or gases emitted from the uses of

products, were found other than hand sanitizer in one portable. The

investigation concluded that mold spores were generally higher

outside than inside the classrooms.

Air supply vents to the heating and cooling systems appeared clean

and the units were functioning. The report also notes bowed or water-

stained ceiling tiles in five of the portables, but no evidence of

mold that day.

Though AERO Environmental Health & Safety found these indicators of

indoor air quality acceptable, the company recommended that the

school replace all water-stained ceiling tiles and dry the wet

carpet around a water cooler in portable No. 2. The company also

recommended that the school inspect behind the wall beneath one of

the water-stained tiles in portable No. 2 for mold.

Ray , facilities director for Frederick County schools, said

these recommendations will be completed by the time school starts in

August. Kemptown is scheduled to lose two portables this summer

since enrollment is projected to decrease from 523 to 504 in the

fall.

said the school system is looking to create standardized

procedures that would address parent and staff concerns about indoor

air quality.