Building Illness Still Mystery

The latest test results from the Hedlund Building have done little to clear up the mysterious cause of classroom ailments.

The North Idaho College trustees will discuss the results at their board meeting tonight.

“The thing we’ve always been hoping for is to find some problem we can fix,” said Steve Schenk, dean of college relations. “This is one of many tests that have been conducted.”

When health complaints arose again from teachers and students in the vocational education classroom building this fall, speculation turned to the welding program.

Two classrooms were closed on the second floor after teachers and students complained of headaches, rashes, fatigue and metallic-tasting air.

Some of the ailments were similar to symptoms of welders who are exposed to super-heated fumes.

Welding classes were suspended until Christmas vacation. When they resumed during the holiday break, a consultant from the engineering firm CH2M-Hill tested the air.

“The overall conclusion is that the welding activities in Room 124 or the Millwright Laboratory do not result in unhealthful concentration of welding fumes…,” the report stated.

The NIC Board of Trustees meets at 6 p.m. in the Kootenai Room of the NIC Student Union Building.