Environmental testing at Sylvania’s Whiteford Elementary School this month found some classrooms with elevated mold concentrations and one room with a significant airborne mold concentration.
Toledo-based Certified Environmental Services, Inc., conducted a visual inspection along with air and tape sampling tests at the public school on Aug. 14. The first day students were back in school was Aug. 19.
The tests found “a few rooms had elevated airborne mold and some ceiling tiles and piping insulation that had been exposed to moisture contained mold,” according to an Aug. 25 letter from Certified Environmental Services.
More specifically, one classroom contained a ceiling tile that had been removed but was still stored openly in the room. It was “loaded” with mold. Another classroom’s piping insulation from water lines above a ceiling tile also was listed as “loaded” with mold spores.
The letter indicates a new roof was in the process of being installed and there had been some leaking before and during the roof repairs. There also were leaks or condensation around the water pipes above some ceiling tiles, and some of the fittings appeared not to be fully insulated, according to the letter.
The inspectors found that airborne mold levels in most of the building were low, an indication that the building’s dehumidification and air filtration systems were working properly. But there were three areas where elevated or significant mold was detected.
“The airborne mold concentrations inside of the building are significantly lower than the outdoor mold concentrations and most individuals would have no adverse health effects from occupying the building, especially if they have not had adverse effects from the outdoor environment,” the letter states. “However, there is the possibility that sensitized individuals may exhibit some reactions to molds, pollen, chemicals, detergents, pet dander, cosmetics, biological substances or other materials present in their homes, schools or work places.”
First Published August 29, 2019, 10:15 p.m.
