Cle Elum-Roslyn High School - Inspector finds Cle Elum school needs cleaning

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Inspector finds Cle Elum school needs cleaning

Report says carpets collect debris, food

06/19/02

MICHAEL GALLAGHER

CLE ELUM - In the search of mold spores and toxins that cause indoor air

quality-related illnesses for people at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School, the

latest inspection found food stains in the carpet, stained flooring in front

of the soda pop machine and cluttered rooms that collect dust and dirt

tracked in from outside.

Russ Crutcher, a forensic scientist with MicroLab of Redmond, inspected the

building June 1.

Among Crutcher's recommendations: " A general, thorough cleaning of the

carpets and the rooms is needed. "

Crutcher did not find a general fungal problem in the rooms tested but did

discover a limited fungal problem under the floor tiles near the pop machine

in front of Room 100.

, district superintendent, said the tiles will be pulled in

that area to determine the extent of the fungal growth.

Crutcher also found a water leakage in the heat unit in Room 203 and water

splashing on exterior building panels causing deterioration of the exterior

walls in those locations.

The crux of Crutcher's reports deal with items the parent of a teen-ager can

understand well.

In his report conclusion, Crutcher writes, " The track-in debris is high in

biological material rotting leaves, various fungal mats, and humus, along

with materials and other debris. Food debris was a source of contamination

in most of the rooms. Eating in the rooms is apparently common. "

One of his recommendations: " An attempt should be made to find better

storage or to provide storage cabinets in order to reduce clutter in the

classroom. "

said the solution to these problems will involve a cooperative

approach with staff and students. She said students are allowed to eat in

the classrooms.

" Obviously, we're going to have to re-examine that, " said.

said prior to the end of the school year she requested the teaching

staff clear off all counters and desktops so the rooms could be thoroughly

cleaned over the summer.

" We're going to have to do an analysis on the storage space, " said.

" I don't know if it's just stacks of papers left on a desk or a lack of

storage space. "

A new carpet extractor vacuum was purchased this spring that has a filter to

trap particles rather than redistributing them into the air.

Goodloe, Kittitas County Health Department administrator, said the

coalition group of people with an interest in air quality at the school

recommended Crutcher do his investigation on a Saturday to eliminate the

possibility of contaminating occupied classrooms during his work.

Goodloe said tests may need to be done when the building is occupied to get

a better reading on materials that could be distributed in the air by people

moving around.

Crutcher took duplicate tape samples of surfaces. His samples have been sent

to P & K Microbiological Services in New Jersey for analysis. Goodloe said she

has not received results of the lab work.

The state Department of Health conducted a student health assessment survey

prior to the end of the year. Goodloe said she has not received the results

of that study either but expects to soon.

Goodloe said the coalition will enlist the assistance of various public

health experts to review all the reports and create an overall picture of

health concerns at the high school.