SCHOOL/DAY CARE CENTER EXPOSURE

Moisture and mold problems in school and day care buildings can be caused by a variety of defective conditions. Some of these conditions can be attributed to old buildings but also new building practices. To save money new construction creates a tighter building envelope which prevents the building from self-ventilating. Toxic mold problems in schools and day care centers are further associated with a lack of maintenance or deferred maintenance. Tight budgets and old buildings along with property defects can create a fertile ground for a school’s toxic mold growth.

Children are highly susceptible to the effects of a water damaged environment and mold. Their immune systems are not as highly developed as adults to musty odors, toxic mold and water damage have to potential for life long consequences.

As a parent, you are generally not present at the school or day care, so you have a difficult time assessing the environment. Teachers and administrators can become desensitized to their surroundings. But, it is up to you to know the warning signs to protect your children’s health.

It is important to keep in mind the following symptoms may be related to a poor indoor environment at a school or day care center:

• Unexplained increase in well controlled asthma
• Development of asthma with no history of breathing difficulties
• Rashes that won’t go away
• Frequent headaches
• Frequent sinus infections
• Extreme fatigue and lethargy
• Hair loss