Low Mold Confined to Basement of Bristol Consolidated School

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Low Mold Confined to Basement of Bristol Consolidated School

By Kim Fletcher

Lincoln County News - Damarsicotta,ME

http://www.mainelincolncountynews.com/index.cfm?ID=17519

Superintendent of Union 74, Bouchard reports that there has

been a report of mold found in the basement of the Bristol

Consolidated School. Upon receiving the report last week, Bouchard

took swift action and declared the area off limits to all personnel

until further notice, sent an in-depth 2-page letter to parents

notifying them of the findings and immediately contacted the state

Bureau of General Services to conduct tests and Indoor Air Quality

Testing.

While in Augusta, on March 14, Bouchard received the results from

the state Bureau of General Services on the mold tests and Indoor

Air Quality Testing.

They found " low to moderate [levels] of airborne fungi in the era in

and close to the basement storage room, which has been attributable

to previous water impact " . The concentrations are isolated to the

basement, not communicated upstairs.

Bouchard's initial notification to the parents of March 10 included

information about the type of mold, which can grow on material such

as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, etc. Growth occurs when there is

moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks,

condensation, water infiltration or flooding.

The letter stated information from the Centers for Disease Control

about molds, and also states that the term " toxic mold " is not

accurate. " While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can

produce toxins, the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. "

A sample was taken of an area in the basement office of

Mullin, and sent it to Toxic Mold Lab of Redmond, Wash., for

analysis. The scraping was taken from an area up and inside the

sheetrock under the stairs that had been removed to allow air to

circulate following the heavy rains of Oct. 8, 9, and 10. (See The

Lincoln County News, March 2.)

The report of the findings received by Union 74 from Toxic Mold Lab

states the sample, submitted by Phil Congdon, is a direct

microscopic examination.

Congdon confirmed Tuesday that he had secured the sample. He said he

did not acquire it on the day of the public walkabout of the school

held on Feb. 27. He said,

" No, it was before that time, I guess around the 17th of February. "

Congdon volunteered that, " I was let into the school and took the

sample. " He was also asked if he took it before or after school, and

he said vaguely, " You could say that. " Finally, it was inquired of

Congdon if he had asked permission or informed the superintendent or

the principal that he had taken the sample, he simply said he had

not.

Principal Bobbi Swiderek said that she had not been aware when the

sample was taken. " All they have to do is ask. "

The report from Toxic Mold Lab cites that under the heading " Mold

Growth: molds seen with mycelial and/or sporulating structures " are

5+ Stachybotrys species. Additionally, under the heading of " General

Impression " the report reveals " mold growth " .

A report key states that " The scale for Mold Growth quantities

ranges from 1+ to 5+, with 5+ indicating highest numbers as viewed

under direct microscopic examination " .

The report further states that:

• Though toxic molds have received significant media attention

lately, little is yet known of their interaction with the human

body. The most common reaction we feel comes from an allergic

response to airborne spores. This occurs when our body produces

histamines in a response to mold spores entering our bodies, in the

same way grass pollens can bring about sneezing and congestion.

Toxic molds, on the other hand, are still a matter of contentious

debate among the scientific and medical community.

The report recommends that further testing by a Certified Mold

Inspector be performed, and an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test to

determine if the indoor environment has significantly elevated

levels of mold spores.

About eliminating the mold, Bouchard said that two to three

contractors will perform an estimate for the cleanup, which is

expected to take about three days and will not involve closing the

school. The cleaning will involve of wipe-down of surfaces and

material, hepa vacuuming and removal of 64 square feet of

wallboard. " A work plan is being formulated now, " said Bouchard. The

superintendent will be sending further information home to Bristol

Consolidated School parents.