McIntyre Building is safe

Recent reports in the media suggest that air quality in the McIntyre Building of McGill University is inadequate and may be the source of illness for workers and students using the building.

McGill University would like to clarify this:

• The McIntyre building, home to the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, is safe. The building is closely monitored and its ventilation system is one of the best on campus.
• The ventilation system was completely overhauled and cleaned three years ago. The system includes an automatic alarm mechanism that notifies building maintenance employees of the need to change filters.
• There are two full-time employees, experts in ventilation systems, working in the McIntyre Building.
• From time to time, there have been complaints from staff or students concerning other McGill University buildings. These complaints are related to heat, cold and humidity. In some cases, individuals have complained of physical discomforts, such as dizziness, watery eyes and headaches.
• In the last 18 months, there have been a number of complaints concerning the 13th floor of the McIntyre building. The matter was thoroughly investigated and the conclusions were that air quality is good. Some preventative maintenance work was recommended and has been carried out.
• In May 2002, a committee composed of representatives of all interested parties was struck to oversee the implementation of measures to further improve work environment in the McIntyre building.
• The media reported recently that an incident where a student fainted and was taken out of the McIntyre Building will be investigated by the CSST. If the CSST is investigating the incident, McGill University will fully cooperate with the investigator as it has done in the past.