Misleading Mold Study at Newhart Middle School

By Brian W. Skalsky

The conclusions reached from the mold study at Newhart Middle School are inaccurate and misleading at best. Further testing is needed as well as a medical questionnaire to look for mold related illnesses at the school.

First, the study concluded that there was not a discernable difference between mold spore levels inside and outside the classroom, suggesting that there were not significant levels of mold growing in the classrooms. However, EESC's own data contradicts this. Their data clearly shows elevated levels of Aspergillus versicolor in concentrations that are up to six times higher in the classroom air when compared to the outside air. The general level of Penicilium is also up to six times higher in the classroom setting as compared to the outside air.

The study further noted that in P6, the front third of the building was wet. P2 had evidence of quote "historical water damage" with other portables showing "large water stains on the carpet" and in some cases rust. If left unchecked, water damage will under the right conditions grow mold. It is clear from EESC's data that the conditions at Newhart are favorable for mold growth in several areas given the levels of humidity and moisture found at the school.

Second, specific mold spores were detected at Newhart which are consistent with the evidence of water damage. In the indoor air quality industry, Aspergillus versicolor is typically recognized as a "marker" for water damaged buildings. It releases a volatile organic compound which is an eye, nose, and throat irritant. In addition, the cell membranes of both spores and mycelia of Aspergillus versicolor are known human allergens. Studies indicate that the levels of Aspergillus versicolor found at Newhart may cause health affects in asthmatics and those who are allergic to this particular mold. In addition Aspergillus versicolor produces a suspected carcinogen called sterigmatocystin which according to the World Health Organization is known to cause cancer in animals and may possibly be carcinogenic in humans.

It is difficult to tell if the consultants from Executive Environmental Services Corporation inadvertently misinterpreted the data or perhaps gave into outside pressure from the district administration to conclude that parents should not be concerned about their children's health and safety at Newhart. However, parents should be alarmed both that their tax dollars were spent on a study whose conclusions are misleading, and also at the possibility that the authors of the study may have been pressured to provide inaccurate conclusions.

I have personally taken hundreds of airborne spore samples at medical centers and at schools to determine mold spore counts. From my experience, the data clearly shows that Aspergillus versicolor was not detected in the outside air during EESC's testing. This means that in order to be exposed to Aspergillus versicolor on the day of testing, a person had to be inside the buildings at Newhart. Our children and our teachers are being exposed while they are inside the classroom. This is a problem. Are people getting sick at Newhart from the mold? Do we have a sick school in Mission Viejo? We need the answers to these questions.

Brian Skalsky

Candidate For Mission Viejo City Council

Qualifications: Environmental Consultant with Skalsky & Associates, which has been in the business of industrial hygiene for over 20 years, CRMI (Certified Resident Mold Inspector), along with a BS in Biology from the University of California, Irvine.