COLUMBIA, S.C. — News19 has new information from the Richland One School District regarding the ongoing investigation of an "unknown odor" that resulted in a Friday e-learning day for students. But one big question remains unanswered.
"How long has this been happening, and what is it? How is it being addressed?" Jim Reid, the president of the Cross Hill Neighborhood Association, asked.
He has been speaking with community members and parents of Brennen Elementary School students about this since a letter was sent out to parents on Thursday. The school district canceled in-person learning there on Friday as crews spent the day investigating the odor's source.
"I think there's some fear, and the fear is the unknown, and the concern is that nothing is really coming from Richland One to identify what it is - what's happening," Reid said.
News19 took those questions and concerns to Richland One Director of Building Services Melvin Henry.
"On Monday, we received a call from the school indicating that there was some type of smell emanating from certain parts of the school, so we started part of our investigation there and started our standard protocol," Henry said.
He said several tests were run in the building for what he described as a "mildewy" scent.
"We want to make sure there's not any elevated items such as mold," he said. "Everyone is aware of mold issues and the repercussions. That testing was completed. We also looked at carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and we're going to continue that testing."
Henry said he wasn't aware of any air quality tests that had been done before the current situation.
Some community members on Facebook wanted to know if a third-party investigator like the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) could get involved. However, the agency responded, saying in part:
"Because there are no state or federal laws, regulations, or standards for mold or indoor air quality, DHEC cannot test, monitor or inspect for mold or indoor air quality in homes or public buildings."
Henry said the investigation would continue over the weekend. Richland One didn't specify when students could return to the school but said they would provide an update once they have that information.