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OPINION

Oak Ridge illnesses real, not hypochondria cases

Letter
Comments (10)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

(Updated 3:00 am)

In response to a Short Stack item (Oct. 26): How dare you suggest that Oak Ridge Elementary School teachers, students and staff are hypochondriacs!

I have had enough of these negative comments. I happen to be the grandmother of a child who was sick from going to Oak Ridge. She is a first-grader now going to Colfax. It is wonderful to see my adorable granddaughter be happy and healthy again.

Last year, she became an irritable and sickly child. She constantly had huge bags under her eyes. She tested positive for mold. She was on a special diet.

Do any of the doubters wonder what the repercussions of being exposed to mold can possibly do to a person in the future?

I, for one, hope they do not let anyone back in the school until it is deemed safe. I don’t want my precious little girl or any others exposed to anything that will endanger their health.

Shame on you doubters and shame on you who think the money was spent in vain. Maybe you should send your loved one to a similar environment and see how you feel.

Kudos to Guilford County Schools and the teachers for fighting for the safety of everyone at Oak Ridge.

Phyllis Kranz
Greensboro

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Lakeshia

October 29, 2009 - 5:10 am EDT

Just more public school related whine -

Phyllis Kranz

October 29, 2009 - 6:49 am EDT

Lakeshia, I am sorry you feel this way. I also have a daughter that is a teacher at Oak Ridge. My main concern for these people is that I know a teacher that taught in a school in South Carolina. Their school had a mold problem as well. The school was evaucated and literally covered by a plastic balloon. Extensive work was done on the school over a one year time period. Now several years later three of the teachers have been diagnosed with cancer and during the mold era many teachers had miscarriages which they now attribute to the mold. The teacher that taught at the school.....she resigned. My only hope is that in the future none of our Oak Ridge people have major health issues.
I think it is a shame that we can't depend on the contractors of not only our schools but other structures as well to do the right thing. Also to blame is the inspectors who pass the work done. Sometimes I wonder if they even take the time to check the work. Have a good day and I hope you work in a safe environment . Phyllis

danagain

October 29, 2009 - 8:40 am EDT

You are correct Ms. Kranz that mold can be harmful to humans. It doesn't effect everyone the same way but if a building has mold problems the mold should be abated before further use.

As for the cases of cancer and miscarriages, you seem certain that mold was the culprit. Are you sure?

Phyllis Kranz

October 29, 2009 - 8:58 am EDT

It seems to be a fact. But as in anything, I cannot be 100% sure as I was not at the school.

rightwingnemesis

October 29, 2009 - 9:46 am EDT

Multiple Epidemiologists have told the school and the board of education time and time again that the only mold free environment, a translplant unit at a hospital, is still not entirely mold free. When dehumidifiers were placed in the school, the psychosomatics complained of nose bleeds, adding that to their "mysterious" illnesses. That is what happens when you remove humidity!
I am amazed at all the "expertise" Mr. danagain has, as well as the seemingly infinite amount of spare time he has to comment on an opinion blog. We can now add 'mold' to his repertoire.

danagain

October 29, 2009 - 10:33 am EDT

Thanks for the compliment smugelite, I worked for a company for 11 years the performed industrial hygiene and environmental services so I am familiar with environmental hazards in buildings.

Good job on your part however, you didn't attempt to link mold to racism nor homophobia. There is hope.

Hmmmm, now the amount of time that I spend here bugs you eh? Too bad ;--)

Interested

October 29, 2009 - 10:55 am EDT

Comment boards would be so much more educational/informational if only we could leave out the personal attacks. Wishful thinking, no doubt.

Just as there is no chance to eliminate exposure to viruses, bacteria, virtually any environmental hazard, we can't totally eliminate exposure to all mold. That does not mean that we should not find a way to mitigate the dangers. I do not believe school personnel or the board of education is looking for a mold-free environment. They are attempting to correct known problems in construction to diminish the potential for future problems.

For those who continue to refer to the affected students/personnel as psychosomatics, I would like to remind you that a number of recognized illnesses/ailments were at one time considered to be "imagined" until science eventually proved otherwise.