Chair of the Halifax Regional School Board, Gin Yee, says the testing they've done has shown the school is safe

Dozens parents are picking up their children early Wednesday from Ian Forsyth Elementary School because they're concerned about the air quality.

HalifaxToday.ca has learned some staff members have experienced headaches, nausea and respiratory problems, which they believe is related to an odour in the building.

Progressive Conservative education critic Tim Halman has heard from a number of parents who say their children have also become sick.

Halman said his understanding is a new roof is being installed at the school and the glue being used it what is causing the odour.

Chair of the Halifax Regional School Board, Gin Yee, said he understands parents are concerned, but the testing they've done has shown the school is safe.

"If the school wasn't safe, I'm confident that staff would have closed school today, but that isn't the case," said Yee. "The information I have is, there was some testing. They were actually going to do more air quality tests today just to reassure parents."

He said parents have a right to keep their children home if they don't feel comfortable sending them to class.