Last year a group of six students went on a quest to find whether or not the rumor that bacteria were present in the air vents of ESHS was true. The results from the students' testing proved to be a cause of great concern, as they found an abundant growth of spores and bacterium that put the health of many students and staff members of ESHS at risk daily. 

During May of 2000, El Segundo High School, tired of complaints from faculty and parents, hired the health organization, SCA Environmental, Inc., to conduct a test of the mold and bacterial conditions of the ventilation system at ESHS. The general result of their testing was that the school’s, "airborne fungal spore counts have been dramatically reduced since the last investigation." 

This conclusion led most to believe that there was no problem with the vents. "I'm not a vent expert," commented Assistant Principal Jim Garza in a recent interview," All I know is that the report said that everything was fine." 

Upon closer examination of the health report, it becomes evident that the, "relatively non existent spores," were due to the cleaning of the vents just prior to the testing. The SCA reported that their results had been tainted for several reasons. 

It is stated in the report that a, "…possibility for the lower fugal spore count is that the building was reportedly cleaned prior to [the SCA's] investigation, and that sampling was completed after the winter rainy season, when active growth [of spores] had already ceased." The report also stated that there was an, "absence of occupant traffic and activities," which lowered the potential for pathogens to be in the area. These contributed to reducing the accurate representation of everyday circumstances. Although ESHS administration had asked for second opinions before, they did not do so with the SCA's report, due to its positive results. In two earlier investigations by "Executive Environmental Management," when the vents were not cleaned before testing, the "…indoor air quality for both investigations had fungal spore counts below standards." 

In the 2001 annual "Robert H. Herdon Memorial Science Seminar," a science fair funded by The Aerospace Corporation, students Alan Yang, Cody Aharonian, Matt Roberts, Katie Spurrell, Jon Wong and Nick Koffroth chose to uncover the mystery surrounding the supposed bacterial problems by conducting their own study of the vents. The team, sponsored by Mrs. Richard, was able to culture and identify over fifteen types of mold and bacteria. 

A number of bacteria were found in the vents such as staphylococcus, known for causing boils and fatal septicemia, and streptococcus, known mainly for strep throat. One mold found, although in low quantities, aspergillus flavus, can cause potential mutagenisis of the bone structure in developing animals. Severe side affects from these contaminants are rare, but do pose a threat to some with immune deficiency problems. 

"It certainly isn't good for you," stated long-time advocate of air vent decontamination, El Segundo Teacher Association president and special education teacher Paulette Caudill, "and it definitely doesn't enhance the learning environment which our students deserve." 

These prolific quantities of bacteria and mold can prove to be a health hazard to everyone who goes to class in the science building, and can even be a potentially life threatening to those with immune deficiency problems. The risk of bacterial infection was noticed when two group members, Jon Wong and Nick Koffroth, contracted the streptococci bacterium, while testing in June of 2001. "During the investigation I became sick," stated Sophomore Jon Wong," I was really concerned that I might have caught something bad." 

Filters cost $450 for every class in ESHS, every year. For each student that comes to school, ESHS receives $5,000 annually. "It's stupid!" exclaimed Senior Michelle Giangrande," They want us to have perfect attendance, but we're getting sick from the vents." 

With the passing of the new bond measure, ESHS could completely renovate the Science Building including newer, easier to maintain air ventilation systems. With the bond passed, the students of ESHS would be able to receive the well-deserved levels of cleanliness that anyone would demand. When asked about the proposed renovation of the air vents, Caudill stated, "Its very necessary. If we want this school to be standing another 70 years from now, we have to fix it."

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