Mold and Heat Force Pittsburgh Schools to Remote Learning

This school year, mold and a September heat wave have shut down at least four Pittsburgh‑area districts and forced 35 Pittsburgh Public Schools buildings to remote learning. Older facilities, many over 70 years old, lack air conditioning and are prone to mold, lead, asbestos and radon. The heat protocol triggers remote instruction when classroom temperatures reach 90°F or higher. Mold releases spores that can cause short‑term symptoms such as coughing and eye irritation and long‑term issues like asthma and chronic bronchitis. Heat increases the risk of heat exhaustion, kidney injury and reduced learning, with each 1°F rise linked to a 1% drop in academic performance. Remediation requires removing moisture and contaminated materials, but many schools remain in use during abatement.