An atopic (one with multiple environmental allergies) instructor
reported asthma-like symptoms when working in his classroom. He
complained of "toxic mold" in his classroom and formaldehyde
off-gassing from furniture as the cause of his problems. Others in the
building were also concerned. A comprehensive health evaluation was
performed. A visual inspection revealed signs of an old water leak with
no obvious evidence of mold amplification. The furniture was also
inspected. There was on going renovation of this old building occurring
in nearby offices. A pathway with enough air pressure differential was
also found to be exposing this instructor to allergens probably carried
on the construction dust/ debris. The occupants were so advised and the
instructor was temporarily transferred to an existing trailer classroom
for the duration of the renovation. Dust control modifications were
recommended to the construction team to prevent widespread
distribution. The instructor returned to his classroom after the
renovation without a medical incident. Health-based management of the
situation by trained health professionals identified the root cause of
the problem and addressed the fears of the occupants through effective
risk communication, mitigating potential problems.
