Mold discovered in school's HVAC system

COLFAX, NC — Mold was recently discovered in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Colfax Elementary School, according to WGHP-TV.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''s (CDC) National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends keeping the school closed until the problem is completely remedied, the story stated.

Haley Miller, a spokesperson for Guilford County Schools, said: "The mold found can be cleaned with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) [filter equipped] vacuum, per the industrial hygienist."

It is suggested that the school: Remove the carpet; decommission the HVAC system rather than simply clean the ductwork; adjust moisture levels by installing a vapor barrier in the crawl space under the building; and remediate any mold discovered during the process, the story noted.

Guilford County Schools Board of Education members were urging school officials that the HVAC system was contributing to poor indoor air quality as far back as 2005, the story added.

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