Test shows mold in Nazareth Borough Hall

May 6, 2002

Allergens are suspected. Council to consider calling professional for more

study.

By Tom Coombe

Of The Morning Call

May 2, 2002

There may be mold growing in Nazareth Borough Hall, but it probably isn't a

health hazard, according to a home test performed by a borough councilman.

Councilman Kim Kromer did the test last month in response to concerns by

Mayor Earl Keller that excess moisture in the borough offices could lead to

a problem like the one faced by the Nazareth Area School District in 1997,

where fungus in the high school and middle school disrupted the school year.

His test turned up a few samples of mold growing in the building's

ventilation system. Kromer sent the samples to Pro-Lab, a Florida company

that sells the test kits he used at borough hall.

Pro-Lab sent Kromer the results last week; he plans to give council details

on the company's findings when it meets tonight.

Kromer said the molds found in borough hall were ''allergenic'' molds, also

found in some plants, textiles and paints. People with allergies to molds

might exhibit allergic symptoms when around them, he said, but the mold

isn't dangerous in small amounts.

''My gut feeling would be that these are the types of things allergic folks

encounter on a daily basis,'' Kromer said.

The test did not turn up two other types of harmful molds: mycotoxic, which

can cause serious and even fatal health problems, and pathogenic, which can

be hazardous to people with immune system problems.

''It's my understanding we are going to go beyond this simple test,'' Kromer

said, and possibly look at having the building tested by a professional.

Councilman Larry Stoudt, chairman the borough's public property committee,

said the entire council would need to decide the next move. ''This isn't

something two or three people can decide.''

Keller said he will recommend tonight that council do further testing at the

building. ''I'd just like to provide a safe environment for our employees,''

the mayor said.

tom.coombe@...

610-559-2157

Recommended Posts