Students in Poland's RSU 16 schools are experiencing frequent nosebleeds and headaches linked to dangerously high carbon dioxide levels in their classrooms.
Testing from last year revealed that CO2 concentrations in all five schools within the district were two to three times higher than the safe level recommended by industry experts for prolonged exposure.
Scott Lyman, a student at Whittier Middle School, has left school early multiple times due to nosebleeds. "Nosebleeds don't happen at home, but they're happening almost every day at school," his mother, Amber Lyman, said.
Health Impact and Student Complaints
Similar complaints are coming from other families. Rae Irish, whose son attends Elm Street School, reported that students frequently suffer from headaches and nosebleeds. The health issues align with known side effects of elevated CO2 exposure, according to WGME.
When carbon dioxide levels become too high, it can trigger headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating, according to health experts. Research shows that elevated CO2 in classrooms can also impair students' academic performance and decision-making abilities during the school day.
The district superintendent and operations director acknowledged the issue in a statement to families. They confirmed that CO2 levels remain below the CDC's threshold for immediate danger after eight continuous hours of exposure, but admitted that prolonged exposure can affect cognitive performance in students.
The superintendent noted that the district had consulted with regional health officials regarding safe exposure limits, CO2meter reported.
Parents expressed frustration after learning the district discovered the problem last year but did not release the information until Wednesday of this week. "This information just being released yesterday is a little much, because they've had it for a year," Irish said. The superintendent stated the late disclosure was not intentional and that the situation did not meet the threshold for an emergency announcement.
District Plans for Improvement
Aging boilers and poor ventilation systems are responsible for the elevated CO2 levels, according to mechanical engineers who reviewed the buildings. The district's immediate response includes opening windows to increase fresh air circulation, though this approach presents challenges during Maine's winter months.
School officials announced plans to purchase CO2 detectors and fans as short-term solutions to improve air quality in classrooms.
However, the superintendent told families that the cost of upgrading the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems remains prohibitively expensive, with no current funding available for these improvements. The estimated cost for a full HVAC system overhaul exceeds available district resources.
The district said it will continue monitoring CO2 levels across all schools and explore longer-term solutions. Parents, meanwhile, say real change needs to happen soon. "I understand it's down to money, but something needs to be done," Amber Lyman said, as per lung.
