Mold and heat closed Pittsburgh-area schools – an expert explains the risks to kids

Mold spores, 90-degree classrooms and aging pipes: An environmental health expert explains why Pennsylvania’s old schools are harder on kids than adults.

By: Rebecca Smullin Dawson, Allegheny College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 25, 2026

Words: 1,223

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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By Rebecca Smullin Dawson, Allegheny College

For many southwestern Pennsylvania students, this school year has already included days away from the classroom because of the buildings themselves. Mold has closed schools in at least four districts, and early September heat pushed 35 Pittsburgh Public Schools buildings to remote learning.

The problems aren’t limited to the region: A 2025 statewide study found that environmental hazards, including mold, lead and radon, are widespread in Pennsylvania …

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