
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, November 8, 1994                   TAG: 9411080135
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                                 LENGTH: Short

VA. BEACH 'SICK SCHOOLS' DRAW PROTESTS

Parents of students at eight Virginia Beach schools say administrators have dragged their feet over air-quality problems linked to students' physical ailments.

The schools have been diagnosed with ``sick building'' syndrome, a condition produced by faulty heating coupled with ventilation and air conditioning units that don't circulate air properly.

Students first complained of stale air four years ago. Now, some students at Salem High School have taken to wearing surgical masks to class to protest the unsolved problem. Some also have signed petitions and planned walkouts.

School officials responded to the complaints in December 1992 by initiating a study led by a consultant from Virginia Tech. Dehumidifiers and air cleaners have been placed in the schools.

- Associated Press

by CNB