Senior Prank Causes Mold Damage To CO High School
Every year, the
graduating class in high schools across the nation pull at least one good
senior prank. Ours involved putting the
band director’s car inside the band room.
But this year’s prank at Durango High School in Colorado has managed to
cancel classes for four days, due to the unexpected and rapid growth of mold in
the school.
The Durango
Herald reported senior pranksters spread over 30 bales of hay around Durango
High School's common areas. School was canceled again Thursday as cleanup swept
and dusted the debris left behind. The cleaning expenses are expected to top
$100,000.
School
officials say that this is one of the worst materials to bring into a building
because of the amount of mold spores present, and the resulting respiratory
difficulties that may be encountered when mold spores are concentrated that
heavily in such an enclosed space.
Several school employees have required medical treatment after reporting
respiratory problems as a result of the hay.
Air quality
tests in the school revealed that mold spore counts as a result of the hay were
four times higher than recommended levels.
Classes resumed Friday after a second round of test results revealed
spore counts within acceptable parameters.
Mold is a
dangerous problem in any home or business, and one of the most common problems
associated with water damage. It can
appear in as little as 48 hours following a water damage event (sooner if the
water is sewage based), spread rapidly, and prove extraordinarily difficult to
remediate.
Mold is a
natural part of our outdoor environment, and we encounter and even inhale mold
spores almost every day with no ill effects.
The problem comes when high concentrations of mold spores are gathered
in one enclosed area, such as the Durango High School common area.
Inhalation of
mold spores in high amounts can result in reactions as mild as a runny nose or
watery eyes, or it may be the cause of more serious complications such as
neurological disorders, lung disease, respiratory issues, or in rare cases,
even death.
It isn’t enough
for mold to be removed; the area must be properly treated to prevent it from
returning. The affected area should be cleaned, disinfected,
sanitized, and then properly lit and ventilated to avoid future problems.
Mold is nothing
to sneeze at (no pun intended), and considerable mold growth should always be
remediated by a professional. Your local
IICRC water damage restoration company will offer mold removal as a part of its
many services. They will know what to
look for, where to look for it, and what to do with it when they find it. Better, their mold removal services are 100%
guaranteed from the date of completion, which means you can be assured of a
quality job done right.
Call your local
IICRC pros today for a free estimate or phone consultation. 
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