Letters To The Editor

School remodeling could add to health problems

Many of the Valley area schools recently remodeled, updated or added on. Could the newly remodeled indoor environment of the East Valley schools be contributing to our children’s health problems? Many schools across the nation have had similar suspicions. Some even had to tear out new materials, replacing them with less toxic ones.

Several physicians and a specialist from Seattle suggested that we take a look at the material safety data sheets for the school’s new items. Our family is concerned because we developed chemical sensitivities after moving into a newly manufactured home last May. A few months later, at the advice of our doctor, we moved out.

I requested information on the schools’ new products at the start of the 1997 school year. I received 15 sheets of information from East Valley High School and I’m still waiting for information from East Farms Elementary School. I was told that they don’t have that data. The superintendent of East Valley Schools has not responded to my requests.

Let’s hope the schools used only environmentally safe products. Even then, my children as well as others could be reacting to low level toxins in the materials. The effects are numerous. Parents need to listen to and investigate their children’s complaints. Be especially wary of dramatic changes in academic performance and/or personality. Just like with chemical abuse, low level chemical exposure causes a multitude of health problems most often in women, children and the elderly.

Mickey Brostrom Spokane

Homeschool article prompts response

I want to thank you for the article that Marny Lombard wrote in the Dec. 18 issue of the Valley Voice about the 1998 Homeschoolers Learning Fair to be held at Valleyford Fire District 8 on Jan. 30-31. We have gotten calls and responses from people all around. Some responses have been from homeschoolers as far away as California who are moving to our area. Families from Chewelah (Wash.) wish to participate as well. We are really looking forward to this Homeschoolers Learning Fair and the special interest demonstrations being successful due to your help. Thank you once again.

Please feel free to come and see what the children have accomplished for yourself on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Lyla J. Gray Mica