The mold problem has forced some districts to shut down schools and make millions of dollars in repairs. Lawsuits have been filed by students and staff alike, who claim their long-term health problems have been caused by mold reactions.

"It's a growing problem, and it's one of the more high-priority issues that schools are dealing with," said Ericka Plater, indoor air quality manager for the American Association of School Administrators.

Some experts claim that construction techniques used in aging school buildings are to blame for producing more mold, but others say ventilation techniques in newer airtight schools are to blame. Reports of mold problems have sprung up all across the nation in both old and new buildings.

Here are some of the problems that have been reported recently in the media:

• Austin, TX: Voters approved a $49.3 million bond issue to pay for mold removal and preventive maintenance in 91 different school buildings.
• Myers, FL: Teachers filed a lawsuit against county school officials, accusing them of failing to fix known mold problems.
• Bristol, TN: 1,000 students spent a month at Bristol Motor Speedway attending class in the skyboxes while mold was removed at Sullivan East High School. The repairs cost $600,000.
• Memphis, TN: School board members called an emergency meeting after hundreds of students there refused to enter East High School after a student died following an asthma attack.
• Maryville, TN: Students were out of class for four weeks while school officials removed mold from their school building at a cost of $1 million.

Old, dilapidated school buildings are prone to promoting mold growth, according to a federal study. But mold develops easily in newer schools because of less natural ventilation and because the wallboard and carpeting used in their construction can soak up more moisture.

The American Lung Association (ALA) advises that everyone be on the alert for unsafe and unhealthy conditions. If you suspect water damage and mold growth in your school or work environment, you can report problems to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and request a site inspection.

Possible ill effects of mold exposure can include:

• Aggravation of asthma
• Cold/flu like symptoms
• Eye irritation
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches
• Inability to concentrate
• Lung infections
• Nasal stuffiness
• Rashes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

This list is by no means all-inclusive. Mold exposure can be harmful to one's health and should not be ignored.

For more information, contact:

Alan L. Wozniak, CIAQP

(800) 422-7873 ext. 802

info@pureaircontrols.com