Boston Globe: No Health Hazards Found (High Rock High School in Needham)

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Look who did the testing!

(http://www.boston.com/news/globe/)

No health hazards found

June 4, 2006

Officials from the state Department of Public Health have found no new or

extraordinary health hazards at the High Rock School.

``We saw no major problems at the High Rock School, " said Donna Rheaume, a

public information officer.

Public health officials were prompted to check out the school after a parent

complained about mold and moisture issues inside the building, said Rheaume.

During a 2 1/2-hour walking tour of the school on May 26, Feeney, an

indoor air quality specialist for the department, checked every classroom

and most of the building with town officials, including School Superintent

J. Theall; Mark LaFleur, who heads the Municipal Building Maintenance

Department; and Janice Berns, the director of Needham's health department.

``It was exactly in line " with what school and town officials expected state

to find based on a March 30 study done by consultant Hamilton of

OccuHealth Inc., said nne Cooley, chairwoman of the School Committee, who

was not present during the visit. ``We view it as good news. "

In an April 13 letter to LaFleur, Hamilton said he evaluated water damage

and mold issues at High Rock and found some walls, ceilings, and floor tiles

had been exposed to water. Hamilton also found the cafeteria had ``chronic

water problems " that created condensation that ``can lead to mold growth " but

could be abated by using dehumidifiers, as the town library staff did when it

occupied the building within the last two years.

Feeney identified a few ``routine maintenance " items like air filters that

need replacing. They would be taken care of before a preschool program resumes

in September, said Berns.

LaFleur is scheduled to speak about all of the environmental issues at High

Rock, including Hamilton's study, and how they may affect plans to renovate

the school at the School Committee meeting on June 6, said Cooley.

A detailed report on their findings and conclusions from the site visit will

be completed in a few weeks, said Rheaume. CHRISTINA PAZZANESE

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