SCIENTISTS INVESTIGATING a rash of sickness that forced the closure of Louis Lynch Memorial Secondary School have found a cancer-causing chemical in the environment there.
In fact, a report from the group of University of the West Indies (UWI) scientists to the Ministry of Education stated that tetrachloroethylene, more familiarly known as PERC, was "the main chemical" found in the second phase of their testing of the school compound.
A copy of the report, which was obtained yesterday by the DAILY NATION, said: "[C]hemical tests were performed in two phases in which passive samplers containing different sorbent materials . . . were employed. The first phase allowed for the identification of phenol and a glycol derivative. Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) was the main chemical absorbed in the second phase of testing."
The report, dated May 30, further stated that "quantification" of the chemicals and identification of their source or sources had not yet been done.
However, the scientists also used microbiological tests to confirm "the presence of bacterial cells and fungi in the atmosphere surrounding the school compound", but said the "concentration and composition" were no greater that in the external atmosphere.
Just minutes after the DAILY NATION obtained a copy of the report, the Ministry of Education issued a statement through the Government Information Service, confirming the scientists' findings after 14 days of testing in and around the school, and pointing out that the test area would now be widened.
"In parallel with the sampling, the team will be seeking to gain a better understanding of the businesses that surround the school, their operation, chemicals used and business practices," the release stated.
These investigations would continue this month, and as a result students would continue classes at the Barbados Community College (BCC).
The scientists' report confirmed students' and teachers' complaints of medical disorders that included nasal and chest congestion, prolonged periods of coughing, hoarseness/huskiness of the throat, upper respiratory tract infections, itchiness of the skin, swelling of the face, numbness of fingertips, wheezing, chronic fatigue, cracked lips, breathing difficulties, burning of skin and eyes, periodic headaches and tasting disorders.
However, discussions with the principal disclosed that the school was plagued with teachers submitting doctors certificates, which resulted in high absenteeism, and the most common complaints were laryngitis, throat problems, headaches, post-nasal drip, allergies, dermatitis, sinusitis and bronchiospasms. An examination of records showed complaints were intensifying.
Under the heading: Pinpointing A Source, the scientific team reported: "From our preliminary investigations, we were unable to unearth any information that suggested the use of phenol or glycol derivatives by businesses upwind of the school, but within the confines of the sampling locale.
"However, there is one business situated upwind of the school compound that uses [perc] on a frequent basis. At this point, we can only say that there is a possibility that this business is contributing to the presence of this particular substance in the atmosphere. As to whether or not they are fully responsible, it is impossible to say until further investigative processes are undertaken."
roymorris@nationnews.com
