Salem School Shut Down After Students Get Rashes Again

November 25, 2002

SALEM, Conn. -- Health experts offered different explanations Monday night about the source of a problem that caused school officials to close the Salem School for the second time in four days.

Educators closed the school on Monday after 17 students were sent to area emergency rooms to be treated for rashes that officials believe may be linked to the school. Officials said most of the children's symptoms cleared up by the time they got to the hospitals, WTIC-TV reported.

At a town meeting Monday night, an industrial hygienist said he found black mold at the school, while the town health director said he believed the problem was outside the building because neighbors have reported similar rashes.
The school was to remain shut the rest of the week as state environmental officials try to determine the cause of the problem.

The middle school wing of the school was closed Friday after two dozen students developed rashes and some asthmatic children reported having difficulty breathing.

Professional cleaners worked at the school over the weekend, and janitors scoured walls and air ducts early Monday morning. But students soon complained again about a burning sensation and developed redness on their arms and the back of their necks.

Nearly 80 students showed symptoms, school officials said.

Officials of the state Department of Environmental Protection were to work with an industrial hygienist Monday night to pinpoint the problem.

Hygienist Gil Cormier said he found black mold, a problem that has caused health problems across the country in homes and schools.

But Hal Burdo, health director for the town, said he believed the problem lay outside because neighbors have shown symptoms similar to those of the students.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-25225820.apds.m0122.bc-ct--schonov25,0,6393711.story?coll=hc-headlines-local-wire