Pender County School Battles Toxic Molds

by Michelle Sherwood
10/24/02

At Topsail High, school's out for the day, but mold is in, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  And it's making a lot of people feel bad.

"I have a bunch of friends that are sick because of it," says Joseph Manor, Junior.  "I have a good friend that's been sick quite a few times this year, and she's been in and out of the hospital recently."

A recent report written by Carolina Environmental Incorporated blames water damage.  It says the damage caused almost twice the normal moisture amount in some classrooms, leaving deteriorated ceiling tiles and carpets.  Parents are concerned with the molds Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, two toxic molds parents say the school kept quiet.   "These two controversial infamous deadly molds were found in our schools and no one was told," says Kathy Lewis, concerned parent.

Right now, parents are left feeling helpless and students without many options.  "Somebody needs to step up and get rid of it, plain flat and simple" says Manor.  "We're getting so sick I've already missed seven days, and I'm only supposed to miss four."