Mould discovered at Westside gym

[Guest guest]

Mould discovered at Westside gym

Orangeville Citizen - Orangeville,Canada

http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2006/0914/Sports/020.html

Parents of Westside Secondary School students were informed during

the first week of school that some mould has been detected under the

floor of the gymnasium and in the school's weight room.

The mould was found during the summer, when the school was trying to

solve a problem with the gym floor. It was buckling and heaving

slightly, in some places, and when the floor boards were removed,

mould was located in a confined area underneath the vapour barrier.

" We have a moisture problem that needs to be solved and in addition

to that we have this mouldgrowth, " said Westside principal Darryl

Kirkland.

The school and R.J. Burnside and Associates, the consulting

engineering company hired to review the situation, needed to find

out if the mould-spores affected the air quality in the school

because mould spores is a known allergen.

" The initial air quality tests show the mould spores aren't a

problem right now, but we are letting parents know it exists. "

Tests completed by Building Science Investigators, a service

enlisted to complete an air sampling, reported the total

concentration of mouldspores detected is about one-twelfth that

normally found in outdoor air.

" It's an acceptable level, " said Mr. Kirkland. " We will continue

testing to ensure the levels remain safe while we continue working

to solve the problem. "

Mould can grow on almost any organic substance including wood,

paper, carpet, food and insulation, as long as there is moisture and

oxygen present.

An informational session was held last week at the school, and

parents were able to ask questions about their concerns. Mr.

Kirkland assured the small assembly the school will remain on top of

the situation and will take appropriate steps, such as closing the

gym, if the air quality becomes a problem.

" I want everyone to feel confident that we are dealing with the

problem and the situation is being monitored closely. " Mr. Kirkland

said.

A certified company will continue to sample the air and the school

is working with consultants to find a solution. Both the gym and the

weight room are safe to use and Mr. Kirkland expects no classes will

need to be cancelled.

" Any repairs that will occur should be scheduled during school

breaks, " he said.

He suggests anyone with further concerns about the mould problem

should contact him at his office by calling 519-9389355.