Environmental testing offers no clues as to why 10 Gaither students have had breathing problems.
By Times Staff Writer
Published October 15, 2003
TAMPA - Further environmental testing at Gaither High School has not shed any more light on what caused breathing problems for 10 students there.
A private consultant hired by the school district issued a report Tuesday saying "there were no obvious indications of adverse indoor environmental quality conditions that would indicate a potential health concern."
In recent weeks, seven members of the Starettes dance team and three other students were stricken by a mysterious breathing disorder.
The consultant, Chastain-Skillman, Inc., tested air samples for chlorinated pesticides and volatile organic compounds in various sections of the school's north wing, where Starettes members spent much of their time.
Workers also tested for microbes, fungus and bacteria. In all the tests, levels in the school were much lower than levels collected outside.
"The physicians are continuing to run some tests, but we still have many questions," said David Atrubin, an epidemiologist with the county Health Department. They are testing for viruses and bacteria in an effort to rule out those possibilities, he said. "We're still trying to pinpoint the cause," Atrubin said.[Last modified October 15, 2003, 01:33:50]
