Fumes sicken students at Carpentersville schools

Fumes from spring break renovation work have sickened students and staff at two Carpentersville schools, according to teachers and officials in Community Unit District 300.

Numerous students and staff members at Golfview and Parkview elementary schools have fallen ill this week, presumably from chemicals used to clean up by contractors who removed asbestos last week, teachers and officials said.

"There were at least six or seven teachers out that have been sick since Monday or Tuesday with headache, sore throat, nausea, itchy eyes," said Diane Petersen, the district's Illinois Education Association representative.

Superintendent Ken Arndt acknowledged teachers' concerns but said the air in the two schools is safe.

"We're definitely taking it very seriously," Arndt said. "The exhaust fan should have been turned on during the weekend."

Arndt said air quality tests have not revealed a hazardous level of chemicals, and the district is ventilating the two schools.