Danger In The Air At North Intermmediate School In Wilmington? :: essays research papers

Danger in the Air At normality Intermmediate School in Wilmington?Is there danger in the air at the North Intermediate School inWilmington? Apparently carbon dioxide trains have been found to be aboveacceptable levels in some class rooms. According to a report dated Dec. 9, 1996,by ATC Associations, an independent consulting firm hired by the Town ofWilmington to conduct Indoor Air Quality and Microbiological testing at theschool. all in all indoor air quality parameters were within normal guideline rangeswith the exception of consistently elevated levels of carbon dioxide and lowrelative humidity levels throughout the school, verbalise the report.High levels of carbon dioxide indoors whoremonger be a sign of poor ventilationin a building. Carbon dioxide is an odorless gas which can cause discomfort atlower levels and act as a mild narcotic at higher concentrations. According tothe Dec. 9 report, If carbon dioxide levels reach 800-1000 parts permillion(ppm), the ventilation sy stem is not effectively working.At the Wilmington School Committee meeting on Feb. 12, schoolSuperintendent Dr. Geraldine A. ODonnell stated that there was a complaint of amusty odor in one of the class rooms after heavy rains on Nov. 6. There werealso complaints of nausea and headaches from many students. The room wasinspected by Roger Lessard, Public Building Superintendent. Mr. Lessard foundthe odor was being caused by Science chemicals stored there and mildew on awindow shelf in the room.School principal Doug Anderson checked with the school nurse for theattendance rate between Oct. 22 and the first week in November and found nadaout of the ordinary. However, being concerned about the safety of the studentsand staff, Mr. Anderson requested Lessard hire an outside consultant toevaluate the schools air quality.The Town of Wilmington then contracted with ATC Associations of Woburn,Environmental, Geoteccnical, and Materials Professionals. ATC conducted a testat the school Nov. 21 and sampled 19 locations. 11 of the 19 locations testedhad a carbon dioxide level of over 800 ppm. The average carbon dioxide levelwas 900ppm showing the results of inadequate ventilation.ATC explained numerous ways to improve the schools ventilation system.These included trimming the shrubs close to vents opening windows to allow air