Parents must speak up on health issues

March 4, 2002

published March 3, 2002

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Editor: Re: Mold at school stirs concern, Feb. 24 Times:

Parents and staff at Lecanto Middle School are wise to be concerned about

environmental problems in their school, especially if their concern leads to

a heightened awareness of the link between their child's environment and

their health.

If their worry leads to adopting proactive, healthy strategies, like an

environmental health committee to investigate problems and implement the the

Environmental Protection Agency's " Tools for Schools " indoor air quality

plan, rather than finger-pointing and anger directed at the school district,

they will succeed in improving the quality of their child's school

experience.

All over our country, many poorly built schools where maintenance has fallen

victim to repeated tax and budget cuts are experiencing a mold plague of

epidemic, if not biblical, proportions. No one seems to know why toxic

molds, specifically stachybotrys, aspergillus and penicillium, have

proliferated as they have the past 20 years. Our public health agencies are

not only clueless, they often even deny the existence of a growing body of

research and anecdotal evidence that prove exposure to these molds can

sicken, even kill, those unlucky enough to be exposed.

Both state and federal agencies charged with protecting our health and

warning us of known health hazards continue to say there is " no proof " that

exposure to mycotoxins is dangerous and that " more research is needed. " Yet,

none of them are engaging in this research or collecting data concerning

exposure and health outcomes.

Teachers are frequently intimidated or encouraged to keep silent about

problems at their schools, and when they grow ill, denied appropriate

testing or treatment unless they sue.

Parents must step up, become informed and demand honesty and accountability

of their school districts. Don't wait until your school has become toxic and

your children seriously ill from exposure to get involved.

-- Barbara Herskovitz, Tallahassee

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