McKenny Elementary School - Black Mold Scare Leaves Parents Concerned

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Black Mold Scare Leaves Parents Concerned

School Reopens But Questions Abound

Posted: 9:52 p.m. EST March 11, 2002

Updated: 11:19 p.m. EST March 11, 2002

DETROIT-- Classes resumed Monday for about 600 students at a Detroit

elementary school, but many parents have concerns about the presence of

dangerous black mold that forced the school's closure.

McKenny Elementary School canceled classes Thursday and Friday after black

mold was found in one of the classrooms. Workers renovating a classroom

noticed the mold when they discovered a leaking pipe.

School officials called in an environmental consultant to assess the damage.

Lab test results indicated elevated levels of a common indoor mold

(aspergillius/pencillium) and a low level of black mold (stachybotrys), the

district said.

Stachybotrys thrives in moisture and grows well on wood, paper or cotton

surfaces. If the spores are inhaled they can lead to a variety of ailments

and even death.

Environmental consultants met with parents Monday to answer questions about

the cleanup effort and potential risks. They said that air quality tests

indicated that the school was safe.

Experts say that it sometimes takes years before the effects of black mold

exposure are detected.

McKenny officials have scheduled another meeting at the school Tuesday at 4

p.m., for parents who have questions for the environmental team, Local 4

reported.

BLACK MOLD

More Information On Stachybotrys (Black Mold)

Frequently asked questions about stachbotrys mold.

Previous Stories:

March 11, 2002: School Reopens After Black Mold Scare

March 7, 2002: Black Mold Keeps School Closed