Fort 's Brittin Elementary School - high levels of formaldehyde

March 15, 2002

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Meeting tonight on air at Fort school

By Joe Jr., Staff Reporter March 13, 2002

An indoor air quality report showing high levels of formaldehyde in Fort

's Brittin Elementary School will be discussed at a public meeting

tonight.

Fort School Superintendent Dr. Ward and Bob Ray, deputy

director of Department of Defense elementary and secondary schools, will

lead the meeting at Brittin at 6 p.m. It is intended to explain results of a

Baker and Associates on-site environmental survey conducted in January.

A full array of tests to identify the presence of fungi, bacteria, and

chemical agents revealed only formaldehyde above the level recommended by

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Although considered within the acceptable range established by the World

Health Organization, the level exceeds NIOSH recommended exposure levels.

Formaldehyde is used in dyes, fertilizers and embalming fluids and can be

toxic.

Some children who attend the school have experienced allergic symptoms that

may be related to environmental conditions in the school.

Baker and Associates was contracted to conduct the comprehensive indoor air

quality investigation in response to complaints of unusual odors and

physical symptoms similar to allergic reactions reported by students and

staff.

Baker concluded that the concentrations found were very likely the result of

an older, " closed' HVAC system exacerbated by the post-Sept. 11 force

protection orders to keep all classroom windows closed.

The long-term solution to this situation, officials say, is the replacement

of the HVAC system with an open system, something already designed and

scheduled for installation in 2003.

Recommendations such as reducing chemicals in the school and running the

HVAC fan continuously have been adopted for the meantime.

Plans are also being made to move children to other classrooms or to Diamond

Elementary after doctor recommendations.

The Baker report itself has not been made available to the public nor to

Fort 's Public Affairs Office. The Coastal Courier has requested a

copy of the report under the Freedom of Information Act.

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