NMSU cautions students on mold

February 24, 2010

By L. Husson Sun-News reporter

Posted: 02/24/2010 03:59:15 AM MST

LAS CRUCES - To ensure that students concerned about mold in their campus

residences know what action to take to get their homes tested, New Mexico State

University Housing and Residential Life officials have sent out an e-mail to

students outlining the process.

Housing Director Weber said Tuesday that her department wants students to

know that mold inspections are available on request, whether mold has been found

or not.

" We offer the service even if students aren't sure they have mold, " she said.

" But we don't go in unless they let us know. We want to respect their privacy. "

According to the e-mail, to request an inspection, students should place a work

request through the online system available on the housing Web site. In the

request box, enter request mold inspection. Students will receive a call by the

following working day to schedule a 30-minute inspection, the e-mail states.

Inspectors will need to be able to access corners, closets, baseboards, cabinets

and behind water heaters, the e-mail states, so students may need to move

furniture and belongings in areas of concern.

" We've had a very wet winter and people are running their heaters, " Weber said,

noting that warm, damp conditions are ideal for mold growth.

A number of students have reported problems with mold in the university's

student family housing - particularly in the Tom Fort and Sutherland communities

of 900-square-foot cinderblock homes, which are more than 50 years old.

One family was relocated last week, after mold spores in their home on Standley

Drive were found to be at unsafe levels.

Weber emphasized that students should report mold and water leaks right away.

Mold growth can cause a number of health problems, even in previously healthy

people. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine found that indoor exposure to mold

was linked with respiratory symptoms including coughing and wheezing. According

to the Centers for Disease Control, mold exposure can also cause nasal

congestion, eye irritation or skin irritation, and for those with asthma or

other chronic conditions, the effects can be more severe.

L. Husson can be reached at ahusson@...; (575) 541-5460

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