The Lincoln-Eliot Health and Safety Committee has received the results of sample testing conducted by the Newton Teachers Association (NTA). The committee consists of Principal Morrissey, Ariana Foster, Lynn Penczar, Parent Representative John Mulligan and David Stickney, NPS Director of Facilities. The focus of the group has been to advocate for resolution to building and maintenance issues which may affect staff and students’ well-being. Several issues have persisted over the last year. First, some unit ventilators, the heaters installed in most of the classrooms, had blown small particles of unknown composition into several of the rooms. Second, roof leaks had damaged some ceiling tiles and there was a concern that wet material would cause mold growth.

The committee hoped that the district would explore these issues and provide answers as to whether there was mold growth, and to the source and composition of the particulate. The district tried to remedy the situation in several ways, but the problems continued. In January, the NTA had an independent specialist, Michael Sireci, take some particle samples at Lincoln-Eliot. The samples were analyzed by an independent lab. Mr. Sireci produced a report explaining the results.

In short, the particulate expelled from the unit ventilators appears to be a combination of minerals and organic matter typical of the outside environment, materials that likely come from wear on the ventilators (rubber from hoses, insulation, etc.) and building materials from the wall structure where installation may have left openings around ductwork and pipes. Four rooms were sampled for mold growth and the results ranged from one with none to light growth in two rooms and moderate growth in one of two samples in the fourth room. Mold is a sensitive issue and the results are somewhat open to interpretation. There is no standard by which mold growth is defined as either harmful or harmless because individual immune systems differ widely.

The committee met via Zoom on May 20th with Mr. Sireci, NTA leadership and city buildings representatives. The recommendation and course of action for the unit ventilators is that they will be disassembled, evaluated and thoroughly cleaned; the level of filtration on the units will be increased; open areas behind will be sealed and maintenance will be stepped up to prevent the intake of of dirt. The replacement of water damaged ceiling tiles and a thorough cleaning of classrooms is recommended to remove any existing mold spores. The roof repairs and new windows should be key to reducing moisture infiltration and preventing future mold growth.

The L-E Health and Safety Committee will continue to monitor these issues and the city’s implementation of cleaning and maintenance procedures.