4
4 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2006
CAMPUS
Wescoe updating ventilation system
BY TOM SLAUGHTER
tslaughter@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
The University of Kansas is taking steps to improve the ventilation system in Wescoe Hall after testing the building for several chemicals in June, because of a series of brain tumors sustained by faculty within recent years.
The testing checked for radon, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide and mold, along with other chemicals. The asbestos and lead content in the building, and the electromagnetic fields and air exchange velocity in certain places was tested.
While the factors that caused the tumors are still unknown, University officials are confident that they were not a result of the lack of circulation.
Don Steeple, vice provost for Scholarly Support, said while the ventilation problems have not been ruled out as a potential cause, the work currently being conducted to the building is "not
"At this point there is no reason to believe there is a health issue that permeates the building, or any specific part of the building," he said.
Steeples said KU has not received formal complaints from students, faculty or staff, but it has always been understood that rooms within the building were "stuffy."
Jeremy Lyman, Lawrence senior works in the Ermal Garinger Academic Resource Center on the fourth floor of the building.
"My only complaints are temperatures and windows, pretty much," Lyman said.
Lyman said that the building can be uncomfortable at times, but he does not have concerns about the tumor issue.
related to a health issue, it's related to a comfort issue."
He said that the ventilation system only operates when the building temperature is different than what the thermostat dictates, which fails to meet guidelines set forth by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.
Steeple said there are certain factors that will make improving the ventilation system a costly venture. Costs such as hiring staff who will make adjustments to the system and the potential increase in the utility cost of the building are not yet known.
Steeples said that changes were made to Wescoe's ventilation system in the 1980s to improve energy efficiency, but since then problems have arisen.
building the John Neuburger, epidemiologist and professor in the department of preventive medicine with the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., has been hired as the chief investigator to the brain tumor issue.
So far, air samplings have been collected and sent to an accredited lab for insight into what is causing the tumors but results were not available.
Edited by Adrienne Bommarito
How sweet it is...
Bonnie Vculek/THE ENID NEWS AND EAGLE
Bonnie Vcoulek/THE ENID NEWS AND EAGLE Emily Griggs munches on a chocolate waffle ice cream cone Sunday in Enid, Okla.
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Are you extremely personable and have lots of friends?
2. Do you have respect for authority and follow directions well?
3. Are you highly motivated and fast paced?
4. Do you have a flirtatious personality and like to party?
5. Are you a fast learner?
6. Do your friends consider you to be good looking?
7. Are you punctual, accurate and efficient?
8. Do you take pride in your appearance?
9. Are you Honest?
10. Do you wanna make a lot of Cash?
If you answered yes to all of these questions then we want you! Liquid is now hiring and has immediate positions available for: Bartenders, Door (21+ ONLY) Cocktail, Shot, Barbacks,Floor (18+)
Apply in person Wed, Thur, and Fri between 5 and 8pm Please bring photo ID and Resume if available. Liquid is located just off 23rd Street behind McDonalds www.liquidlawrence.com - (785)749-Hawk
Liquid is now back under its original ownership (Jack Flamigans). We provide a clean, fun and stimulating work environment. Liquid has exciting new plans for the upcoming school year and would like for you to join our team.