GIRARD SCHOOLS Testing set for health problems

The city doesn't have equipment needed to test for bacteria at the intermediate school.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The Ohio Department of Health has been asked to test Girard Intermediate School to determine what is causing eye and skin irritation for a small number of pupils and teachers.
James Dobson, city deputy heath commissioner, said Wednesday that he has asked the department's Bureau of Environmental Services to conduct tests.
"I have no problem with anybody coming in," said Superintendent Anthony D'Ambrosio.
Heating units: During the past weekend, workers removed about 40 heating units throughout the school and disinfected them, because some pupils and teachers have complained of discomfort.
Emerald Environmental Inc. of Akron and Kent found endotoxin bacteria in a heater blower motor.
Dobson said that the state health department has agreed to come to the school after it reviews Emerald's report of its testing.
Endotoxin bacteria can cause fever, not burning eyes or itchy skin, Dodson added.
The enbacteria were detected in a room in which there have been no complaints, the assistant health commissioner explained.
Toxicology tests: The state was called, Dodson said, because neither the city nor any local health departments have the equipment to conduct toxicology tests.
All the filters in the school have been changed and the air duct system cleaned.
"You're going to have germs, because it's a school," said D'Ambrosio, noting tha the bacteria found is not different from what's found in a house or other school buildings.
The superintendent said that based on what is known now, there are no health issues in the building.
He noted that absenteeism is at 4 percent this year, compared with 6 percent last year at Tod Woods Intermediate School, which the new school replaced last September.
Small percentage: D'Ambrosio said that about 10 people have experienced the discomfort out of 408 pupils and 30 teachers in the building.
D'Ambrosio said that physicians who have examined them and done blood work haven't found a cause.
Dodson and D'Ambrosio said the cause of the discomfort may not be in the school building.
D'Ambrosio has discontinued the use of cleaning materials, opting to use only water because cleaners might be a source of the irritation.