Parents Claim Construction Work At 2 Brooklyn Schools Making Students Sick
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Parents are concerned construction conditions at two Brooklyn schools are putting their children's health at risk.
The building that houses P.S. 17 and M.S. 577 on North Fifth Street is covered in scaffolding and netting as part of a $10 million renovation program.
1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reports
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Parents claim students have been getting sick and now they're demanding answers from the Department of Education.
"My main concern is the air quality and the mold issues," one parent said.
EXTRA: Results Of Air Quality Test
"I want to hear that it's safe for my child to sit in there for seven hours and not get sick," another parent said.
DOE officials held a closed-door meeting with parents on Monday night to address their concerns.
School officials said they recently tested 21 samples throughout the building and only one came back with an unacceptable mold level.
Officials said the affected area was cleaned immediately and deemed safe.
Environmental specialists told staff from both schools that there is no reason to vacate classrooms and that the building was safe to be in, according to a letter from the principal posted on the P.S. 17 website.
The DOE said they are working to correct a water infiltration problem, there is no visible mold in the building and they have met with the teachers union and parents.
