Students Moved from Classrooms after Mold is Discovered

Earlier this month, WHNT published a report about mold that was found growing in several classrooms at a school in Morgan County, Alabama.  According to the report, most of the mold was found in the ceiling above three classrooms and that students were moved to other areas of the school. 
 
The mold was discovered after parents complained of their children getting sick.  Indoor air quality (IAQ) consultants were hired by the school and they discovered the mold growing on pipe insulation in the ceiling and on some small patches on the wall due to humidity issues.  Air testing confirmed elevated concentrations of several types of mold and remediation efforts were initiated to fix the problem.
 
Although mold is a natural part of the environment and can be found all around us, it can lead to a wide range of health concerns when mold grows indoors and exposes students and teachers to elevated levels in the classroom. Inhalation exposure to mold can cause health issues because they are known allergens, irritants and asthma triggers. Some types of mold are also known to produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins.
 
“If people suspect there is a mold or other types of IAQ problem in their children’s classroom it’s important that school administrators address the concern,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Many school districts operate in old facilities and have limited preventive maintenance budgets, so finding a mold problem in a classroom is not uncommon.  Poor IAQ in the classroom can lead to learning difficulties, illnesses and increased absenteeism. At EMSL, we offer all of the sampling supplies and testing services to identify mold and other microbial and chemical pollutants.”
 
EMSL has sponsored an educational video about potential health concerns due to breathing mold that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/61eTg1WfJHo.
 
To learn more about mold, indoor air quality testing and other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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Joseph Frasca

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EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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