West Orange Schools Tested After Students Feel ‘Drowsy’ In Class

WEST ORANGE, NJ — After launching tests for possible elevated levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and mold in the West Orange Public School District, officials have concluded that there are “no imminent health risks” for students or staff, administrators announced Thursday.

Earlier this month, district administrators heard reports from several high school students that some classrooms were "stuffy" and they were feeling "drowsy" during class. In response, the board launched a round of testing throughout all its schools for possible elevated levels of carbon dioxide and monoxide, as well as temperature/relative humidity and the presence of mold.

On Thursday, district officials released details about the test results:

• “No elevations in carbon monoxide in any of the locations were found”
• “Temperature and humidity were within normal ranges as recommended by ASHRAE and PEOSH”
• “No evidence of visible mold contamination or mold like or musty odors detected”

According to district officials, testing took place in all classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, gym areas, teacher workspaces and offices.

Acting Superintendent Eveny De Mendez released a statement about the situation:

“Based on these findings and PEOSH standards, health officials have assured us that the levels of carbon dioxide present in our schools pose ‘no imminent health risks’ for the students or staff of the West Orange Public Schools and that the present levels are not ‘unusually elevated.’”

The superintendent added:

“The safety and health of our students, staff and school community continue to be the priority of the West Orange Public Schools. A formal presentation will be made to the board on Monday, Jan. 28 and school reports will be sent home to parents Friday, Jan. 25.”

However, the “drowsiness” may not be entirely a figment of students’ imaginations, according to the test results.

De Mendez said that three tested areas contained carbon dioxide levels between 2,000 and 2,432 ppm, which could potentially lead to “stagnant, stale or stuffy air that may produce sleepiness, headaches and poor concentration,” according to PEOSH guidelines.

The unit ventilators in those areas will be inspected for proper function, damper position, thermostat controls and repaired as necessary, de Mendez stated.

In addition, 195 areas contained carbon dioxide levels between 1,000 and 1,999 ppm, which can cause complaints of drowsiness and poor air, according to PEOSH guidelines, the superintendent said.

For those areas, recommendations include:

• Utilizing operable windows whenever necessary to introduce fresh air into the space
• Continuing to conduct routine preventative maintenance service of unit ventilators
• Ensuring that instructional materials are not covering unit ventilators
• Ensuring all unit ventilators remain turned on throughout the day

In humans, carbon dioxide (C02) is produced by respiration. Concentrations can accumulate in a place where there is stagnant air, such as classrooms where there are a higher number of students in small spaces, de Mendez stated.

• See related article: Legionella Found At All But 3 West Orange Schools
• See related article: West Orange Schools Release New Round Of Legionella Test Results

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