Moldy patch, dust blamed for Artondale health worries

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Moldy patch, dust blamed for Artondale health worries

PRINCIPAL: School still safe but will be cleaned Feb. 18-22

February 09, 2002

Kris Sherman; The News Tribune

After days of tests, investigators determined the " sick building " symptoms

at Artondale Elementary School near Gig Harbor stem from a small patch of

mold and a malfunctioning heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system,

according to a letter from the principal to parents Friday.

Dust problems can be so severe it's like walking through a cloud stirred up

by a passing truck, Principal Kathy Weymiller wrote. The truck analogy came

from health department officials.

She said the school remains safe, but if parents want to keep their children

home next week before a cleaning planned for Feb. 18-22, the students will

be given excused absences.

" Although kids who experienced symptoms were clearly affected, there is no

long-term effect to the exposure and the irritant is not toxic, " Weymiller

wrote.

Using the truck analogy, she added: " There is a period of discomfort when

you are in the dust, but shortly after you walk through, you clear up and

feel fine. "

Tim Hardin, indoor air quality program manager for the state, said it

appeared the school had " a dust loading " problem, or basically too much dust

circulating through the building.

But it's not dangerous, he said. " I wouldn't have any problem sending my

kids there. "

A plan to address the problem was drawn up by school officials in concert

with state and county health officials and a private consultant the district

hired. An allergist also reviewed air-quality findings at the school,

Weymiller said.

Their plan to solve the problem includes:

n Having teachers and students immediately do a general cleanup of clutter

in classrooms so they're easier for custodians to clean.

* Inspecting and servicing the school's ventilation system during the

upcoming midwinter break the week of Feb. 18.

School will be dismissed at noon Feb. 15 to get ready for the work.

" Ceiling tiles come down, then the system is inspected, tiles are cleaned

and replaced, " Weymiller wrote. " The goal is to get the existing system

working properly. If that is not possible, it will be replaced. "

* A thorough, top-to-bottom deep cleaning of the school during midwinter

break.

* A health survey of all students, to be filled out by parents, so officials

have a good idea of what areas of the school are turning up sick kids.

Students and staff members have complained of headaches, respiratory

difficulties, rashes, malaise and other health problems for more than 18

months.

A few weeks ago, the teachers union, Peninsula Education Association, filed

a grievance against the district over indoor air quality problems at the

school.

Some four dozen students were sent home earlier this week with mysterious

skin rashes, and fifth-graders were kept home on Wednesday while work was

done on their classroom wing.

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* Staff writer Kris Sherman covers Peninsula Schools. Reach her at

253-597-8659 or kris.sherman@....

© The News Tribune