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| Many schools have poor indoor air quality that can affect students as well as teachers and other staff members. |
This is a guest post from Electrocorp Air Filtration Systems
Mold is a serious indoor air quality issue – so much so that an elementary school in Montreal had to send more than 400 students home.
Officials don’t know when the school might reopen, since the mold remediation process may take up to two years.
The elementary school was infested with mold spores that were blamed for an increase in respiratory ailments, runny noses, coughing and other symptoms, according to an article in today’s Montreal Gazette.
These health effects surfaced after months of exposure to mold spores, experts say.
The school board involved the public health department when it received multiple complaints of minor health problems from adults and children.
Air samples from 29 rooms in the school revealed an unhealthy level of mold spores in each one.
As is so often the case when it comes to mold, a burst water pipe incident in November 2010 may be to blame for the high mold count.
Mold spores are ubiquitous in the environment and can start to settle down and actively grow mold if there is enough water or moisture.
The mold can be hidden or visible and for this school, the spores probably became airborne after the school had some masonry work done.
The students moved to an empty school building in Montreal but have to find different accommodations soon.
Source: Montreal Gazette
Keep indoor air healthy in schools
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| The 5000 and 6000 Series is a popular choice for individual classrooms. |
Mold is one of the most common indoor air quality issues in schools, but students and staff are also affected by particles and dust, allergens, chemicals and odors – especially in older schools where the ventilation system is simply not enough to provide the required fresh air exchanges.
Electrocorp has designed powerful stand-alone air cleaners for schools and universities that can help keep the air clean and healthy.
AllerAir's 5000 Series and 6000 Series are powerful, portable room air purifiers that can be used in individual classrooms and moved around easily, according to need.
The air cleaners can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals and gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens. They feature a multistage air filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA and UV (optional).
The easy-to-use air cleaners are designed for around-the-clock operation at minimal cost, with a long filter lifespan and easy maneuverability.
For more information and options, please contact an Electrocorp air quality expert.
Related posts:
- Environmental exposures in schools
- IAQ challenge: Keeping schools healthy
- Students need better air quality in schools
Electrocorp is a division of AllerAir.
