WEST NEWBURY – According to Superintendent Justin Bartholomew air quality testing at Pentucket Regional Middle High School has been completed after reports of a strong odor in a science lab.
Vertex Companies of Norwood tested air quality in the building from Friday, May 5, through Monday, May 8. Test results show zero levels of any concerning substances, including hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Tests also detected naturally occurring carbon dioxide at levels well within state and federal guidelines.
Vertex inspected the air handling unit leading to the science lab. No breeches were observed.
Some wet and dirty air filters were removed from a rooftop air handler unit after the emergency response. The district’s HVAC contractor inspected the unit and performed maintenance to seal the unit from future water penetration.
Vertex is continuing to investigate the cause of the May 1 incident. The District expects to receive a final report in the coming days.
On May 1, Pentucket Middle High School students and staff were evacuated from the building because of an unknown odor in the science labs located on the third floor. Four students received medical attention at a local hospital. The state Department of Fire Services and state hazmat team also responded to assist with the investigation. The West Newbury Fire Department and West Newbury Inspectional Services continue to support the school district.
