Kentucky Middle School’s Equipment Failure Results in Mold Growth

Last month, WPSD broadcasted a report about the temporary closing of a middle school in McCracken County, Kentucky. The middle school was reportedly closed so remediation crews could begin removing mold recently found in the building to get the facility ready for students and faculty preparing for the new school year.

According to the news report, a compressor failed which allowed warm and moist air to circulate through the building’s HVAC system. This created conditions that were ideal for the growth of mold that was reportedly found on both floors of the school.

“Whenever you have warm conditions and moisture in a building, even for a relatively short time period, mold may begin to grow on surfaces,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These same conditions can even allow for the explosive growth of dust mites in some circumstances. Students and faculty who are susceptible to exposure to elevated levels of mold or dust mites may experience respiratory irritation, allergies or even asthma. Fortunately, the problem in McCracken County was discovered during the summer so the problem could be addressed before the new school year began.”

To help identify mold, dust mites and other indoor pollutants that can cause health concerns, increased absenteeism and impact a student’s ability to learn, EMSL Analytical offers air and surface testing services and sampling supplies. These services are available to school administrators, facility managers, environmental professionals and the public. EMSL has also developed easy-to-use test kits for mold, indoor allergens and other pollutants that are available to teachers and parents. For access and more information to any of these test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about back to school indoor air quality issues that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/8ktQGXR5xPA.

To learn more about indoor air quality testing or 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, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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