Mold Concern at Gastonia School

GASTONIA, NC — Mold remains a concern at a Gastonia school.

Teachers go back to work for an optional work day Wednesday.

Tuesday, someone connected to the school sent WCCB Charlotte pictures wondering if the mold poses a health risk.

We took them to mold inspector, Shannon Lavery.

“It can be pretty destructive, all of them, even the ones that are pretty common,” said Lavery. “I am really concerned about it being in a school because that’s going to affect their performance and their health.”

Freshman already had transition camp inside the school.

The Gaston County School District confirms topical mold was discovered this week.

It has not notified parents or staff, an issue for the woman who called WCCB Charlotte who wanted to remain anonymous.

“From a parent perspective, it would be a major health issue. I would want to know about for sure before I sent my kid in the building or before I was going to go to work there,” said the woman.

A Gaston County School District Spokesperson says the mold has not been tested but says it is similar to mold on bread.

He says cleanup crews will go in Wednesday to clear the mold.

“That’s absolutely wrong, and that’s not the way it should be handled at all,” said Lavery. “You can’t just wipe it down and it’s going to be okay.”

The school district says once crews clean inside Wednesday, they will determine if further mold tests are needed.

As for the pictures, the school district says keep in mind, sometimes people mistake damp dirt and grime for mold.

Parents and experts say test it anyway.

“They need to get it tested tomorrow,” said Lavery. “They most certainly do, and they need to do it as soon as possible.”