FAIRFIELD — Steps are being taken to improve the air quality at Fairfield Intermediate School after a report showed carbon dioxide levels in some classrooms triple the amount that could cause eye and throat irritation, headaches or fatigue.

        The April 23 report from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation said there were elevated levels of carbon dioxide in all the rooms tested. Additionally, four classrooms tested above the 60 percent relative humidity levels considered comfortable. Temperature ranges were within acceptable ranges, but airflow needed to be improved.

        Thirty-six of the 65 classrooms in the 1,500-pupil building were tested after teachers formed the Sick Building Committee and brought their concerns to administrators in late February.

        In December the district installed new cooling towers to draw more fresh air into the building, said Martha Roche, buildings and grounds supervisor. Over spring break, after the testing was done, the district spent $35,000 to improve the heating and ventilation system. In December $140,000 was spent to install three rooftop heating and ventilation units at the building.

        That included adding air vents in every classroom and replacing glass panels in classroom doors with screening to allow better airflow. Work has been completed on two floors and is continuing on the top floor, said Rob Amodio, administrative assistant for business.

        “We're bringing in three times the amount of fresh air now from what we were bringing in before spring break,” Mr. Amodio said.

        Sixth-grade teacher Bridget Ossman, who is a member of the Sick Building Committee, said she has noticed a change.

        “The air in my room is moving better,” said Mrs. Ossman, who has experienced headaches, rashes and swollen eyes. “We're still not finished. There's a long way to go.”

        Superintendent Robert Farrell said the district is considering installing permanent monitoring devices.

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