OAK RIDGE, N.C.—
The Guilford County Department of Public Health and the school system acknowledge that something inside of Oak Ridge Elementary School is making people sick. But professionals think the mold inside the school is not the source."At no time has mold posed a danger to the people in this school," said the health department's Ward Robinson at a briefing Tuesday.
Unless someone is very sensitive, the mold won't make people sick, said Robinson. Instead, he called the building itself sick.
"The term is used to describe the poor circulation of fresh air in a closed building," he explained.
The problem, Robinson believes, involves the heating and air conditioning system, along with the dehumidifier. The health department says the systems are not balanced, which leads to bad and dry air in parts of the building and the resulting feelings of tiredness, headaches and nose bleeds.
"Hopefully, with the adjustment in the humidity and the adjustment in the air conditioning, in August, the children should be comfortable," he said.
Guilford County leaders will continue to work with consultants to make sure nothing is overlooked.
"We told the school and health department to find the problem and fix it," said commissioner Skip Alston. "Money is not a factor in this situation at all."
In order to improve the air quality at Oak Ridge, the school system has made roof repairs and replaced dry wall. It has also contacted the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for advice. The health department said it will continue to take steps to cut down on mold spores, too.
