School air quality causes concern for parent

Fifth-grader Lucas Dunn, has had severe breathing issues for months because of what his mother says is poor air quality at his elementary school.

Lucas attends Edgar Park Elementary School, and has had trouble breathing and minor asthma attacks since the large storms hit parts of the borderland

His mother, Melody Dunn, said this has been going on for quite some time now.

“Ever since the flooding, he’s been having breathing problems,” Melody said. “And in the last month, he has probably gone to school just six times.”

Melody said she thinks there is mold in the school building, and it is mainly to blame because of rain seeping into the roof.

But a preliminary report of air quality inspection conducted by a third-party contractor, licensed through the Texas Department of State Health Services and in keeping with EPA guidelines set for environmental regulation of school districts, indicated all indoor samples were well below the recommended levels for mold set by the EPA for indoor air.

All areas were also checked for any indication of leaks or water damage due to recent rains and none were found.

Melody said she does not think the district has done enough to accommodate her child and has now started a petition seeking a mandate to improve air quality in schools.

The goal is to have mandatory testing on a quarterly basis at all schools in the district. For now, she will home-school Lucas beginning Nov. 17.