Guest guest Posted August 19, 2002 Report Share Posted August 19, 2002 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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