Officials were unable to determine the source of the contamination.
JAY – School officials are following up on recommendations by air quality experts who visited the Elementary School after some staff members and students felt ill last month.
Forty-three staff members and students in the first-grade wing complained about symptoms ranging from headaches to burning, itchy eyes on a very, windy day Jan. 16. Symptoms were reported less frequently as the week progressed.
Initially there was a trace of carbon monoxide and then carbon dioxide appeared to be the culprit. Two exhaust vents controlling air circulation in the wing were replaced.
School officials called in state air specialists to look over the building.
The report concluded the school was well-maintained with mechanical systems installed to provide fresh outside air to staff and students. More importantly, there is a staff member knowledgeable about operating the systems. Sources of contaminants in the school were minimal. The carbon dioxide readings were slightly above recommended levels but this is not atypical for a school, the report stated.
The symptoms experienced by staff members and students the week of Jan. 12 “were likely a one-time occurrence, caused by extreme ambient weather conditions. The symptoms reported may be consistent with exposure to fuel combustion by products. A medical professional should be consulted” to corroborate this theory. “Since symptoms were not sustained for the majority of the staff, knowledge of the exact cause of or source of the contaminants is difficult.”
Dale Siulinski, occupational health specialist with the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards conducted a preliminary indoor environmental quality site investigation Jan. 30.
Larry Mare, an engineering technician from the Maine Bureau of General Services performed a study of the carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, air temperature and humidity, Superintendent Robert Wall said.
The investigation involved visual observations, a review of the symptoms experienced, and air testing for indicators of ventilation adequacy.
The purpose of the tests performed were to see if the potential for an air quality problem related to the building exists, the potential source of the perceived and reported problem and the magnitude of the issue, Wall said.
The report stated that “it must be recognized that certain symptoms may not be directly associated with building air quality and may result in other factors.”
Principal Beverly Gillespie and school Maintenance Director Sue Weston are working together on the recommendations. In the meantime, teachers have been asked to open windows an inch to increase fresh air in the classrooms, Wall said.
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