Harrison County official addresses concerns about air quality at Simpson Elementary School
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Concerns have been raised by parents and community members regarding air quality at Simpson Elementary School. However, an indoor air quality test conducted by the Harrison County Board of Education showed that the concerns appear to be unfounded.
James Lopez, Harrison County Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Transportation, confirmed that there is no black mold present at the school. The test, performed on January 30, was prompted by reports of individuals feeling unwell.
According to Lopez, the only issue identified was slightly elevated CO2 levels, which is not uncommon in environments with many people.
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'We were able to bring all of that into compliance very quickly, and it was not a health issue,' Lopez said. 'It wasn't optimal, you know, it was slightly elevated, but that's not uncommon when you have a large group of people in a room. The CO2 levels can rise, and that's why you have the equipment that pulls in fresh air to replenish that.'
In response to the elevated CO2 levels, the school has replaced all HVAC equipment to ensure proper ventilation and air quality.
Lopez also emphasized that the Harrison County Board of Education prioritizes the health and safety of students and staff. To address any concerns, teachers were gathered to review the findings and ensure everyone was informed and reassured about the situation.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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