Amid concerns, class resumes at Talbot

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) - Exactly a week after high levels of PCBs forced Fall River's Talbot Middle School to close, students returned to class Monday morning.

Fall River Mayor William Flanagan and environmental officials announced Saturday that new air tests showed PCB levels at the school were within acceptable limits and below maximum exposure levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The school closed Sept. 19 after levels of PCBs, which are carcinogens, were detected in the building.

Flanagan said the city initially decided to test Talbot and Durfee High School after PCBs were detected in a school in Westport. He said those two schools were built during a time when the use of PCBs was permitted.

Beta Group, the company which conducted the most recent testing, said the tests were run for six hours which approximates how much time children would be spending in school for a school day. They were also put in places where students and teachers would spend a majority of their time.

Despite recent tests, parents said they were still concerned about the air quality at the school.

"I know they've explained everything to the full extent and I appreciate that, but still for my own feelings I'd like to have her removed," said Sherry Hawrylshyn whose daughter attends Talbot Middle School.

 Officials said even though students will be allowed back, they are still working to eliminate the PCBs from the school altogether.