Summerside school searches for allergy causes

School officials are still trying to figure out what is causing allergic reactions among some students and staff at Elm Street Elementary School in Summerside, P.E.I.

At least six students and three staff members at the school have reported symptoms ranging from itchy eyes, rashes, sores on their tongues and breathing difficulties.

Dale Sabean, the superintendent of the Western School Board, said a small amount of mould was found in one wall last week. That part of the wall has since been removed and rebuilt.

"Over the weekend we actually had one of the air circulation systems — there are two in the building — one of them that seems to serve the area where we've had more concentration of complaints," Sabean said Monday.

A soil sample was taken from just outside the windows to see if there is something in the ground that may have caused the problems. "We also have asked the city to do an analysis of the water coming into the building," Sabean said. "If it's a rash on the arms, one might suspect some water."

The superintendent said tests of volatile organic compounds have come back negative, and testing for mould continues.

It has been a few days since any complaints have come in, he said.