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http://www.gburgtimes.com/archives/archives2002/june/6-5.htm

Elementary school's air quality questioned

By KAMI MASEMER - Times Staff Writer

DeLong has been a music teacher within Gettysburg Area School District

for the past three years, in which time she has been struggling with

recurring health problems. DeLong believes the problems are directly linked

to molds housed inside Gettys Elementary School, the district seems to

disagree.

" When I teach in Keefauver for three days, I have no allergic symptoms, and

my overall health improves, " DeLong said Monday. " When I go to Gettys to

teach, infections develop or worsen. "

DeLong contacted Nett, the director of buildings and grounds, in

January, citing her concerns with the school's air quality. Nett, with the

assistance of Gettys Principal Ted Gilbert, Superintendent

Mowery and business manager Brad Hunt immediately began to investigate the

situation.

" We had Mrs. DeLong moved into a different classroom, had her room directly

tested for molds, and will continue to follow up on the situation, " Mowery

said Monday night.

On March 25, toxin tests were conducted at the school. According to Nett,

the results detected " no problems. "

DeLong was informed of the results, and subsequently requested a copy of all

of the school's molds and fungi test results. She received copies of all but

last year's mold test results, which were missing.

According to DeLong, previous indoor air quality tests of Gettys

building indicated that the school has a complex mold environment, possibly

due to varying moisture conditions within the structure. More than once, the

building tested positive for Aspergillus, a group of mold toxins known for

decaying fruits and vegetables.

In June of 1999, Advanced Applied Sciences, Inc. tested the school. The

results stated that " significant (Indoor Air Quality) problems exist at

( Gettys.)

" There is evidence of inadequate fresh air introduction into all of the

rooms tested as indicated by the elevated (Carbon Dioxide) levels. There are

also Bioaerosol problems relating to ongoing and/or previous water

intrusion/leak problems. "

High Safety Consulting Services, LTD conducted air quality tests this year.

Curt Wittman stated in his conclusions that there were " no nonviable fungal

spores of any pathogenic and/or amplification significance were

identified...on the samples taken. No viable fungal colonies of any

pathogenic and/or amplification significance were identified...on the

samples taken during this assessment. "

" There were previous problems, that have been taken care of, " Mowery said.

" Preliminary results released April 23 showed that all toxins are below

normal parameters. "

DeLong suggested that the district investigate and invest in a process for

cleaning and removing all toxins from the building.

She also suggested repairing the heating ventilation and air conditioning

system in the building.

" The building is slated for 100 percent occupancy this August, " DeLong said.

" Mold clean up should be done before new innocent people enter the building

in the fall. "

According to Dr. Mowery, the HVAC units are scheduled to be replaced in the

spring of 2003, as part of the district's facilities improvement plan.

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