A Jupiter mother believes mold in her son’s pre-K classroom made him sick and caused his hair to fall out. The school district denies it, but parents say critical tests were never done.
JUPITER, Fla. —
A mother’s alarm after sudden hair loss
Ashley Vonk says her 5-year-old son Hudson was a healthy, happy child when he started pre-K at Lighthouse Elementary in Jupiter last fall. But within weeks, he developed headaches, congestion, and dark circles under his eyes.
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At first, Vonk thought it was just a string of childhood illnesses. Then Hudson’s hair began falling out.
“Oh, it was devastating. I think my body went into full trembles, just to see that this is what your baby’s insides are dealing with,” Vonk said.
The hair loss started in small patches, then progressed rapidly until Hudson was completely bald.
Two boys in one classroom lose hair
Vonk said she was suspicious because another child in Hudson’s classroom had also lost all their hair the month before.
“And so I — that’s when I just knew. I’m like, this has got to be something toxic in this classroom,” she said.
The family ordered independent testing. Results showed Hudson’s mold exposure for one strain was four times higher than what’s considered safe. Another strain came back nearly twice as high.
“His doctor said, you know, this is serious,” Vonk said.
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School district testing finds no mold
After the Vonks raised concerns, the Palm Beach County School District tested the classroom three times in January, March, and April. District staff and outside experts conducted visual inspections, used moisture meters, and infrared cameras.
Their findings: no visible mold, no mold odors, and no elevated moisture levels.
The Florida Department of Health also gave the classroom a satisfactory grade after a surprise visit.
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Experts question the methods
Despite the district’s assurances, Vonk and other parents were not satisfied. They questioned why air and surface samples — considered a more thorough method of detecting hidden mold — had not been performed.
So far, Vonk says three other children from the same classroom have tested positive for high mold exposure. WPBF 25 News confirmed one of those cases with another parent.
The Vonks also had their own home tested for mold, and no problems were found.
Independent mold inspector Howard Newmark reviewed the district’s testing approach.
“The short answer is no, it’s not adequate,” Newmark said. “I find it unusual that the work that was done omitted air and surface samples.”
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More aggressive testing ordered
Two weeks after WPBF 25 News began pressing the district about its testing methods, a mold remediation van was seen parked outside Lighthouse Elementary.
The district later informed parents that the principal had ordered more aggressive testing. This time, crews cut into walls, checked ceiling cavities, and inspected the HVAC system.
Those tests also found no mold. But one report included a notable disclaimer:“Does not imply that mold was not present.”
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Parents demand answers
“You know, mold is tricky. It can affect you a year later, it can affect you five years later,” Vonk said. “That’s why I’m so passionate about wanting to get answers and make parents aware, because I don’t want anyone to have these types of issues, whether it’s something small or something big. We should know that when you send your baby to school that they’re taken care of.”
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District plans more evaluations
The Palm Beach County School District says it plans to conduct additional evaluations of the classroom over the summer and will decide then if any further action is needed.
The Vonks say Hudson’s symptoms disappeared after they pulled him out of school. With his current medical regimen, they hope his hair will grow back.
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