Indoor air studies are continuing at the Vuoksenniska school center

On the old side of the Vuoksenniska school center, more specifically in the A building, the extent of the indoor air problem and repair options are being investigated.

Research has been done during the fall by Raklamit Oy. The investigations were started because the staff had symptoms, especially in the premises on the second floor.

Based on the first research results, around the windows of these premises, there are microbial findings suggestive of fungi and mold in the insulation layers of the outer wall, between two stone structures.

─ Microbes indicative of moisture damage were analyzed in three damage samples out of 14. The rest of the samples refer to the aging of the structure and growth caused by leaking air, space and safety manager Sami Turunen says.

According to studies, air leakage through window joints can be considered a key risk for indoor air.

There is no need to close the premises now

The research results were discussed on Thursday in the city's indoor air working group, which includes experts from the field of facility management, health care, environmental health care, and construction.

─ According to current information, there is no need to close or isolate the facilities, but we will do everything we can to fix the problems as quickly as possible, Turunen promises.

During the school fall vacation in class 206 an air leakage measurement of the structure is performed and at the same time any air leaks from the outside to the inside are repaired. Repairs in this class serve as pilots for other facilities. Occupational health care will monitor the effects of the repairs.

The outer wall is thoroughly examined

During the fall break, the outer wall will also be structurally opened. It can be used to start the preparation of a more detailed research plan for the outer wall. The purpose is to get as thorough a picture as possible of the actual condition of the exterior wall before extensive repairs are undertaken.

─ It is now important to find out the situation properly so that the problems can be rectified sustainably and not just by patching up, Turunen states.

More samples have already been taken from the premises a week ago. Their results will be ready after the fall vacation.

The city of Imatra has given all school facilities an air quality guarantee. Problems are always addressed as soon as they are revealed.

For more information:

Facilities and security manager Sami Turunen, tel. 020 617 4450, sami.turunenimatra.fi (sami[dot]turunen[at]imatra[dot]fi)