Children are especially vulnerable to toxic mold. Their immune systems are not yet fully developed; they have sensitive skin; and their organs are not yet mature enough to filter out toxins.
Toxic mold in classrooms and school buildings can trigger many health problems, such mold asthma and mold allergies in many children, as well as skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, and possibly even learning disabilities.
Is Your Child’s School a Sick Building?
Parents of school-aged children should be alert for signs of mold contamination in the school building. Look for signs of black mold staining areas of the ceiling or walls, especially in bathrooms and basements. Be alert to the musty odor of mildew in carpeted areas, coat closets, and gymnasiums, which might indicate hidden mold. Look for evidence of water damage or water leaks anywhere in the building.
Older school buildings are more likely to have damage that might result in mold. School mobile units or portable classrooms are often less protected against the elements and may be more susceptible to water damage and resultant mold. School buildings that have withstood tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters should be closely inspected for water damage and mold.
Unfortunately, the first signs of mold contamination in a school building might be the medical symptoms of those who work and attend classes there. Symptoms that your children might be exposed to mold at school include:
- Repeated head colds and sinus infections
- Asthma attacks
- Allergic reactions in the form of skin hives or reddened eyes
- Sore throat, coughing, and/or sneezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
If your school-aged child has these symptoms, ask him or her whether the symptoms get worse after they arrive at school and better when they return home. Notice whether symptoms improve during school vacations or holidays away from the school building. If symptoms are serious or resulting in the child missing school, talk to your physician about the possibility of mold allergies.
Talking to School Officials About Mold
If you think your child’s school might be contaminated with toxic mold, talk to the teachers first. They are also at risk from mold exposure and might be aware of having similar medical symptoms. Talk to other parents to find out of their children also seem to be affected.
Approach the school principal with your findings and ask for a professional mold inspection and mold testing. The principal probably will have to consult with the school superintendent about this; write a letter asking him or her to do so, and have the letter signed by anyone else involved with the school who has a concern, including teachers, staff members, volunteers, and parents of other students.
Be prepared to attend a school board meeting and have your concern put on the agenda for discussion. In an area where school board members are elected officials, parents and teachers have real leverage in bringing attention to their concerns. Bring along information from government agencies about mold health problems. Ask your local health department officials to attend the meeting and speak to the school board about your concerns.
State and Local Mold Laws
Check with your local health department to learn if your state or municipality has specific laws concerning mold in public buildings. Mold laws vary greatly from state to state. In many areas, if citizens cannot point to mold legislation that specifies recourse, they might have to go to the courts.
Individuals in Virginia, New Jersey, and Florida have filed successful claims against school districts because of health problems suffered following mold exposure in classrooms and school buildings, and many other suits have been settled out of court or are pending. Often, it is teachers filing claims for worker’s compensation that brings attention to mold problems in schools. Watch for news reports of mold lawsuits filed by school employees and be aware that the teachers’ medical problems might be a warning sign of similar medical problems in students.
If you are unable to get satisfaction from school officials, be prepared to remove your child from the school and speak to a mold attorney.
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