Dear Colleagues –
I want you to be aware of an issue that has come to light regarding the Bluff building. It is important to give honest, accurate information regarding this issue.
Read more for the complete statement sent from Clinton School Superintendent Deb Olson
Below is a note that will go home with all Bluff students today.
August 31, 2016
Dear Bluff Families,
After the torrential rains last week, the northwest wall of the library along with carpeting became saturated with water. The area along this wall contains a conference room and two small offices. While dealing with this issue, the district became concerned with the water being trapped behind the dry wall and the potential for health concerns to our staff and students. This is the only place at Bluff where this has happened. Even though these areas in the library are removed from student traffic, the district sent samples to a laboratory and found out today that these office areas could potentially be a health issue for people who have chronic respiratory problems. In wanting to be as safe as possible, effective today, the entire library at Bluff will be closed until this matter can be determined as not being harmful to our staff or students. This afternoon, a health expert will be taking samples in and around the library to determine if the air quality is harmful. The results of this testing will be known by noon on Friday. On Friday, the district will be sending home what information is known and the actions that will be taken moving forward.
The sample that came back from the testing on the drywall was positive for Stachybotrys chartarum mold. Not knowing enough about this type of mold, Plant Services Director, Gregg Cornilsen, provided me with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here is that information:
FACTS about Stachybotrys chartarum (http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm)
What is Stachybotrys chartarum?
Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint (in the case at Bluff, it was on drywall). Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.
Are there any circumstances where people should vacate a home or other buildings because of mold?
These decisions have to be made individually. (The district decided to take the cautious approach and vacate the area, in and immediately surrounding, where this mold was found and to do further testing)
I have heard about “toxic molds” that grown in homes and other buildings. Should I be concerned about a serious health risk to me and my family?
The term “toxic mold” is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always a little mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces.
What are the potential health effects of mold in buildings and homes?
Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds.
Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Sever reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay.
How common is mold, including Stachybotrys chartarum in buildings?
Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. We do not have precise information about how often Stachybotrys chartarum is found in buildings and homes. While it is less common than other mold species, it is not rare.
Summary of Stachbotrys chartarum and other molds may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. At present there is no test that proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds are found in a building, prudent practice recommends that they be removed.
Mr. Cornilsen and his staff have already begun action in rectifying this issue with contacting experts who will remove and clean this area. It is unfortunate that this has happened, however, the district will work to make sure that our facilities are free from health concerns to our students and staff. Please make sure that the correct information is shared in our community. If you have questions, please send them to me.
