Mold at Nelson’s Hume School to be remediated

Mold found this summer at Nelson's Hume Elementary School has caused areas to be sealed and isolated.

Bob Hall photo

Share this story

Tweet

• Discussion clears air on mould issue at Hume school
• Mould gone in Nelson elementary school, concerns remain
• Nelson teachers rally outside Hume Elementary
• All-candidates health care forum packs Hume Room in Nelson
• Nelson man overdoses on ecstasy
• Vandals hit Nelson schools

Areas of Nelson's Hume Elementary school continue to be isolated and sealed off following the discovery of mold at the school.

According to a press release from superintendent of School District 8 Jeff Jones staff voiced concerns about the air quality at the school.

“Since being made aware of the concerns expressed by the staff, the District completed an exhaustive investigation of the building and surrounding area,” said Jones in the release. “The investigation included conversations and participation of district staff, WorkSafe BC, as well as Interior Health.”

During the summer the district hired an environmental company to complete air quality inspections and checks.

“As a result of their inspection(s) water damage was discovered in the crawlspace below the lunch room,” said Jones. “Water damage can include the possibility of mold. In this case, a moderate amount of mold growth was located.”

The release said the school district took “swift action” to seal off the area and in installing engineering controls to prevent any potential contaminants from impacting the adjacent areas of the school where children and staff are located.

Air samples collected by the environmental company found that there was more mold outdoors than in the occupied areas of the school.

“The lunch room has been impacted by mold growth,” said Jones in the press release. “This area will continue to be isolated, sealed off and locked from staff, students and visitors to the school. It is anticipated that the final investigation report, as well as a plan for remediation, should be completed by the end of September.

“We wish to assure our community that we are working with several experts in the field of air quality control to continue to ensure that the work and learning environment at Hume School remains healthy for all students, staff and visitors to the school.”