MOLD IN SCHOOLS IS HUGE HEALTH RISK

In early February, all schools in the Klamath Trinity Joint Unified School District (Hoopa, CA) were closed because of exposure to mold. Inspectors in Detroit found widespread code violations related to mold in 11 public schools in January. Two women in Baltimore are running a “Mold in Howard County Schools” campaign to urge their Board of Education to make sure the schools are properly cleaned.

As you can tell, mold in our schools is an issue being taken seriously, and rightfully so. Mold can find its way into school buildings in a host of ways including roofing and plumbing leaks, condensation from air condition units and high humidity.

WHY IS CONTROLLING MOLD IN SCHOOLS SO IMPORTANT?

​While hard figures are difficult to obtain, some studies estimate that more than a third of schools in the U.S. have mold and other indoor air problems that can aggravate respiratory conditions. It’s important to remember that young children are still growing and their organs – particularly their lungs – are not as resilient as those in adults. They also breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY MOLD EXPOSURE

We’re all individuals and react to conditions differently. Common symptoms caused by prolonged exposure to mold include:

• Nasal or sinus congestion
• Skin irritation
• Sneezing, sore throat and coughing
• Watery, reddened or burning eyes, and
• Fatigue.

WHAT CAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS DO TO PREVENT MOLD EXPOSURE TO STUDENTS

We recommend school districts partner with a professional cleaning service provider that is licensed to handle mold issues. While there will nearly always be some form of mold in schools, buildings and our homes, the districts can positon themselves to prevent mold growth by:

• Responding to water leaks rapidly
• Ensuring that rooms are continuously ventilated, and
• Scheduling regular inspections of roofs, floors, walls, ceilings and carpeting for water leaks and mold growth.

​Here at J&M Keystone, we love children and young people, and are happy to work with schools and other educational institutions to make sure their buildings are clean and safe. For more information about how we can help you in making the air you breathe cleaner, contact J&M Keystone for a free consultation.