Concerned parents filled the Middlesex High School auditorium Monday to learn more about the high levels of carbon dioxide found at the district’s middle school.

High levels of the gas were found at Von E. Mauger Middle School earlier this month, causing many parents to keep their children home.

Some parents tell News 12 New Jersey that the high levels of carbon dioxide made their children sick and lethargic.

“They measured eight classrooms or so that had carbon dioxide levels exceeding their guideline and the standard of 1,000 parts per million,” said public health expert Dr. Richard Lynch.

Superintendent Dr. Linda Madison told the crowd that her priority is keeping the students safe and healthy. 

“Please know that we are committed to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff and members of the community to bring this issue to an agreed upon conclusion and continue to improve our indoor air quality environment for all our schools,” she said.

Dr. Lynch then told the crowd that carbon dioxide gas comes from humans and is nontoxic.

“Inside of buildings there are contaminants that are being generated both because of what humans are, what humans do and other processes that may be going on in the space,” he said.

He recommended that the district continue testing on a regular basis. He also said that the schools should keep windows open whenever possible when levels get too high.

Parents who attended the meeting said that while they found the information to be useful, they were still upset that it took school officials so long to let them know about the problem.

“The trust level is gone. As a parent, you are put in the position where you have to choose who to believe,” said mother Dorothy Frisco.

Two parents have decided to run as write-in candidates for the upcoming school board elections due to the handling of the issue.