NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — North Adams Public Schools received the report of findings regarding the air quality testing of Brayton Elementary School, prepared by GEM Environmental, Inc. 

 

According to a press release released by North Adams Public Schools Thursday:

 

The visual assessment of Brayton Elementary School did not identify mold growth on walls, flooring, or furniture. The air sample results indicated that all classrooms, including the occupational and physical therapy room, had mold spore counts significantly lower than the outdoor air sample. The only area with an amplified spore count was in the hallways on the lower level south wing, and the amplification was not elevated to chronic or active levels of spores.

 

Keeping moisture levels low prevents the growth of mold, therefore, GEM Environmental, Inc., also assessed the moisture content of floors, walls, and wooden doors in the affected area. The moisture levels were determined to be "ideal for the prevention of mold growth."

 

Last month, parents were notified that "due to intense heat and humidity this past summer, we've seen an increase in mildew, especially in one classroom that lacks windows" and that an "aggressive" remediation plan was in place. 

 

This drew concern from parents and community members.

 

Superintendent Barbara Malkas had explained during a tour of the school, as part of a Greylock project forum, that mold was found in one classroom over the summer. She explained how it was mitigated and later told the School Committee that mildew had also been discovered in another first-floor room earlier in the month.

 

Further, the report concluded the following:

Recommendations from the report include:

The full report can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/2vv4u