Air quality under investigation, $3.3m airconditioning upgrade delayed at Paralowie R-12 School after workers report throat, eye and nose symptoms

A section of a large public school in Adelaide’s north has been closed off after workers’ unexplained symptoms prompted an investigation into air quality issues.

A major airconditioning upgrade at the Paralowie R-12 School campus is on pause after workers contracted unexplained symptoms. Picture: Supplied

A $3.3m upgrade of Paralowie R-12 School’s airconditioning system has been abruptly paused and part of the school sealed off, after workers on the project noticed issues with their eyes, noses and throats.

A Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed on Wednesday the air quality at the school was being investigated in response to the incident.

She said the area of concern was a defined work zone within the school, which students and staff had not been exposed to.

“There has been no exposure to this space by staff or students as this work is being carried out in a defined work zone, which is secured,” the spokeswoman said.

“Following a report of minor nasal/throat/eye irritation by workers, the department was made aware and an occupational hygienist has been engaged to undertake air quality tests.”

The public school’s staged airconditioning upgrade is on pause as the department conducts its investigation.

The spokeswoman insisted the school’s 1500-odd primary and secondary students, along with staff, were not at risk.

“There is no risk of exposure outside of the area or to building occupants,” she said.

“However, out of an abundance of caution, the department has requested air samples for rooms occupied by the school be taken to ensure air quality for those rooms is within tolerances.

“Work has ceased on this stage of the project until all health and safety matters are appropriately resolved in the usual manner with the contractor.”

It was not clear if parents and students had been informed of the issue before The Advertiser put questions to the department on Tuesday afternoon.

Between 2021 and 2023, the large school recorded the state’s second highest number of times police had been called in, a Freedom of Information request revealed last year.

Originally published as Air quality under investigation, $3.3m airconditioning upgrade delayed at Paralowie R-12 School after workers report throat, eye and nose symptoms