Teachers are complaining about air quality at a Croton-on-Hudson school that suffered water damage, but environmental tests show air quality levels are acceptable after needed repairs.
Mold and asbestos were discovered at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School after a water leak. School officials say the affected areas were repaired over the summer, but at least 14 staff members have been complaining about health issues.
The school conducted a second round of environmental tests last month in which testers found traces of fungus in one room; they believe a carpet that has since been removed was to blame. Trace amounts of mold were also found in a few other rooms that house aquariums.
The environmental report concluded that "indoor air quality at the dates and times of the study was found to be acceptable for building occupancy."
In an effort to further ease concerns, the school is going to take additional measures. "We are going to remove carpet in some rooms," says Croton-Harmon School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Fuhrman. "Any baseboard that we feel has been contaminated will be removed."
A panel discussion is scheduled for Monday at the school. Medical and environmental experts will be in attendance.