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

<name>Rebecca Smullin Dawson, Associate Professor of Biology, Allegheny College</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-smullin-dawson-1436960"/>· 25 septembre 2026

Many older school buildings lack air conditioning, leaving fans as the main defense against classroom heat. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images For many southwestern Pennsylvania students, this school year has already included days away from the classroom because of the bui…

Résumé

School closures in PA

In southwestern Pennsylvania, multiple school districts canceled in-person classes at the start of the 2026-2027 school year due to environmental hazards.

Mold forced delays or closures in at least four districts, including Monessen City School District, Laurel Highlands Middle School, Ligonier Valley School District, and Homer-Center School District.

Meanwhile, extreme heat in early September prompted Pittsburgh Public Schools to switch to remote learning for 35 buildings, as their lack of adequate cooling systems made classrooms unsafe.

These issues reflect a broader trend in Pennsylvania, where a 2025 statewide study found widespread environmental hazards like mold, lead, and radon in schools.

The average age of Pennsylvania school buildings is 70 years, 20 years older than the national average, with Pittsburgh Public School buildings averaging 90 years old.

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