Building on Madison campus closed because of mold spores

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Building on Madison campus closed because of mold spores

By The Associated Press

August 23, 2002

MADISON, Ind. - The Technology Building on the Madison campus of Ivy Tech

State College has been closed because of mold contamination and is not

expected to reopen.

The report by Environmental Safety Technologies Inc. of Louisville said the

indoor air quality throughout most of the building was hazardous because of

the level of mold spores.

The building was closed Aug. 6 after tests found high levels of aspergillus

versicolor, penicillium and stachybotrys spores.

Region 11 Chancellor Helms said Thursday it is unlikely the building

will be reopened.

Stachybotrys is usually not released into the air in detectable amounts

unless the conditions are ripe for dispersal, according to the report. The

source of the mold could not be determined.

Environmental Safety Technologies recommended that the building not be

reopened without removing all carpet, insulation, drywall and ceiling,

followed by treatment in accordance with federal environmental standards.

" There are important questions about how this problem is best remedied, "

Helms said. " Our primary focus continues to be the health and safety of our

students and employees, and we won't consider reopening this facility if we

can't be absolutely certain that there would be no exposure to mold. "

Although not everyone has allergic reactions to the molds found in the

building, at high enough levels over a prolonged time the exposure could

cause problems for anyone, said Amy , infection control nurse at

Kings Daughters Hospital.

Helms and Madison campus Dean Don Heiderman said there have been no health

problems related to the building formally reported by students, faculty or

staff.