Carbon Dioxide Levels Suspected In School Ills

By Jane Reynolds, INQUIRER CORRESPONDENT

Posted: January 19, 1995

FRANKLINVILLE — A biologist told the Franklin Township Board of Education and about 20 people last night that some areas of the Mary F. Janvier Elementary School have elevated levels of carbon dioxide, which may be one of the culprits that is causing some students and staff to become sick.

Cynthia Toth of Terra Bio Chem Environmental Services Inc. suggested that the board install either overhead fans or air deflectors to improve the circulation of fresh air.

Since 1992, teachers and students have complained of dry throats, headaches, irritated eyes and difficulty breathing. The school board has been trying to determine what's causing those problems.

Some people, including the Gloucester County health inspector, suspected moldy carpeting was the problem and lobbied for its removal.

However, the school board decided the villain was poor air quality and, following a recommendation by Toth months ago, installed air filters throughout the school, which serves more than 700 youngsters in kindergarten through second grade.

While that move did result in a decrease of reported sicknesses, Toth's report said that the carbon dioxide could cause a stuffiness that would trigger symptoms such as drowsiness and headaches.

Board president Pasquale Mungiole said last night that before the board took further action, it wanted to study Toth's latest report and recommendations, and weigh the suggestions offered by parents.

Parents last night issued a renewed call for the removal of the carpeting as well as the installation of air-conditioning.

Several parents pointed out that children still were getting sick and said they wondered if there was a connection with the carpeting.

"When they get sick, they can't get rid of it," said Renee Scardino, a parent.