Tests confirm mold at Hamilton Avenue School

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Tests confirm mold at Hamilton Avenue School

Greenwich Post - Greenwich,CT*

Written by Ken Borsuk, Staff Reporter

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Samples from the basement of Hamilton Avenue School, submitted to a

lab by the Post, have come back positive for mold.

The mold was discovered in a part of the basement where the

foundation of the old building is exposed. There has been no sign of

mold growth in any of the newly constructed areas of the school,

which is two years behind schedule. According to the tests, which

were conducted by Pro-Lab/SSPTM Inc. out of Weston, Fla., the sample

provided by the Post had aspergillus, cladosporium, penicillium and

non-sporulating fungi in it.

Those molds are known to cause allergies and asthma, as well as

potentially serious lung problems from chronic exposure.

This is not the first discovery of mold that has plagued Hamilton

Avenue students. The old building, before construction began, had

significant mold damage in it and mold was discovered this past

March in the modular classrooms the students have been using during

construction. Several children and parents had reported health

problems linked to mold exposure in the modulars.

The Post's lab report said that the mold discovered is often

associated with excess moisture and can be a problem at high levels.

While the mold discovered was in small patches. The report

recommended that it be addressed immediately and any water sources

eliminated.

" When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building

materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the

moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed, " the report

stated, adding that the walls in the basement should be cleaned " as

quickly as possible in order to ensure a healthy environment. "

The mold was discovered by a Hamilton Avenue School parent, along

with visible water damage caused by heavy rains and uncapped

chimneys. The parent provided photos and information to the Post.

Staff here confirmed the damage during a tour of the building and

took a sample to be tested. The growth was fuzzy and colored green

and white. A musty smell permeated the basement.

Work has begun on capping the chimneys.

At the time of the discovery, Mazza, chairman of the building

committee, said that the committee had no indication there was any

mold growth in the building. Mr. Mazza could not be reached for

comment on the tests.

Because construction is unfinished, the building is still under the

control of the building committee. The school board must formally

accept custody of it in order for students to use it. Superintendent

of Schools Betty Sternberg released a statement Monday through Kim

Eves, the district's director of communications, saying the district

would make sure there are no mold issues before students move in.

Environmental testing was set to be done before the Post revealed

its test results.

The new tests will not be done until the construction is complete.

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