On September 14th, 2023, Kennebunk Elementary School tested positive for mold. EOC Environmental did the testing, specifically Joseph E. Consigli led the investigation. The company found mold on cabinets, bookcases, tape dispensers, on the ceiling, and in the air. In their report, they comment on the high humidity levels within the school. There isn’t central air conditioning at KES or any RSU 21 schools. The mold was likely caused by hot, humid days in vacant, non air-conditioned spaces.
The second inspection was on October 1st and was supposed to be a check-up to ensure all the mold was gone. Ironically, there was more mold than what was found in the first test. They found mold in additional rooms and more spores in the air than in previous times. After this inspection, EOC Environmental recommended no one enter the rooms without personal protective equipment, including respirators with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cartridges, disposable clothing, gloves, and eye protection.
The third and fourth examinations showed that the mold was slowly going away. EOC did the assessments on October 9th and October 11th. Even though the mold growths were improving, the airborne spores were still present. In their report, EOC Environmental writes, “Following remediation, additional samples should be collected to assure remediation was successful and that there is an acceptable level of mold spores in the spaces.” There aren’t state or federal guidelines for air quality, so the company relies on other policies, like the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists. This organization claims that less than 500 spores per cubic meter is safe to be in. Using “acceptable” instead of “safe” makes it seem like the amount of mold isn’t okay to be around, but rather is a way to acknowledge the mold but do nothing about it. Aspergillus/Penicillium was the type of mold found and is also one of the most common types. It is also a common allergen. Not only was the children’s education interrupted, but it could agitate their allergies. With this in mind, you could be breathing in airborne mold right now.
No news outlets reported on this issue until after the third inspection. Was this a way to cover up the mold growth from the public? This occurrence isn’t the first time an RSU 21 school has had a mold outbreak. In 2010 and 2012, the Middle School of the Kennebunks contracted mold. I can assume that the mold returned for the same reasons: no central heating or air. Along with these two schools, Kennebunk High School also has a large number of people and no central air. Does this mean KHS is next to have a mold outbreak?
