Cedar Falls School wrestles with smells

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa– A product used to remove tile adhesive in preparation for construction at a Cedar Falls schools has left a foul odor.

Crews intend to eliminate the odor before students and school workers are allowed to use the affected classrooms at Orchard Hill Elementary.

Cedar Falls Superintendent David Stoakes says that the product used to remove the tile adhesive had infiltrated into some neighboring surfaces, creating a less than desired smell.

Air tests showed the fumes aren't bad enough to cause major health problems but could cause nausea, headaches, or watery eyes which a few students and staff members have experienced.

Stoakes says the stench permeated multiple surfaces in the school including wood, stuffed animals and tack boards in the classrooms. He says the affected items have been removed.

In an effort to completely remove any odor, they have been airing out the rooms, and today a crew installed a charcoal filtration system. Ideally, this system will absorb any carbons left in the air.

It's unclear when the cleanup and removal will be complete.