Summerside school hit by allergic reactions

Elm Street Elementary School in Summerside, P.E.I.,has been hit with a handful of mysterious allergic reactions.

Western School Board officials are trying to figure out why six students and a teacher at the school have reported symptoms ranging from itchy eyes to rashes and breathing difficulties.

The problem seems to have started about two weeks ago.

"It could be itchy eyes, rashes, typical things that a person would suffer if you're allergic to something," said board superintendent Dale Sabean.

The teacher was re-assigned to a different school. The children's symptoms have disappeared, but the board has launched a health and safety investigation.

One wall with mould was removed, but Sabean said the levels were only slightly above the acceptable limit.

"Even though we found a small amount of mould, it's not likely the cause of what we're seeing," he told CBC News. "We continue to search and see if there something in the building or something outside the building that may be creating the problem."

Sabean said the air ducts and filters have also been checked, and they are waiting for other test results to come back on the building and its air quality. Any products that are used in the schoolare also being looked at.

"As a board we're always concerned about the health and safety of our staff and students," said Sabean.

Results from a Nova Scotia lab are expected next week.

Letters have been sent to parents informing them of the situation.