Girardot branch committed to the community

In each of the seven municipalities of the department where the University of Cundinamarca has a presence, there is the active and lively participation of a university community committed from the classrooms to provide solutions and support to the residents in the territories.

With pride in being able to support the community, the director of the Girardot branch, Dr. Juan Carlos Méndez, tells us about the work done at the Luis Duque school in this municipality, whose help directly impacted the quality of life.

The incident occurred on February 22nd, when twelve students from the Luis Duque school experienced dizziness and nausea due to inhaling what is technically known as a rare atmospheric pollutant. In response, the principal, Néstor Lever, requested the presence of the municipal health department, which in turn requested assistance from the University of Cundinamarca (UCundinamarca) to measure air quality using their equipment.

“We were present that day with teachers Arley Torres Vargas and Anyi Katherine Becerra, along with laboratory technician Fabián Sandoval, accompanied by representatives from the Office of Risk and Disaster Management, a representative from the Administrative Department of Environmental Management (DAGMA), personnel from the fire department and directors of the institution,” explains Miguel Ángel Ávila, coordinator of the Environmental Engineering program.

This is how these experts put into operation a multi-gas detector and a particle counter. “The presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was identified in high concentrations in the hallways and rooms on the second floor of the building, mainly in the corridor. This could be the cause of the poisoning.”.

Based on this situation, the school administration was advised to conduct a thorough cleaning of the school premises. “Especially prioritizing the areas where the highest concentration of gas was found. They were also advised to clean the roof, where pigeons are present and their decomposing droppings can generate nitrogen dioxide. Additionally, they were advised to inspect the electrical wiring on the second floor, as it may be corroded, which produces nitrogen gas.”.

According to Leandro Felipe Barbosa, executive director of the Girardot Development and Security Corporation – who manage risk management – “With the Mosquera and Madrid Fire Department, further measurements were taken and nothing dangerous was found, and the school is now open.”.

For his part, the rector, Mr. Néstor Lever, expressed his gratitude for the presence of UCundinamarca during this emergency. “Their contribution with that equipment, unique in the region, was invaluable. The people who came are highly skilled professionals. We hope they will continue to support us, as the specific cause has not yet been determined,” he concluded.

In this way, UCundinamarca contributes to an open, frank and constructive dialogue with the communities, in order to solve problems of the social environment and build solutions, key aspects of its university social interaction process.