West Hall reopens, mold identified, potential health risks are unlikely

[Guest guest]

West Hall reopens, mold identified, potential health risks are

unlikely

Giles, Assistant Editor

April 12, 2006

Ripon College Days - Ripon,WI

http://www.riponcollegedays.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/12/443bc5

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As faculty members begin to settle back into their offices and

classes find their way back to West Hall, a number of concerns have

arisen about the mold that made the building unusable for almost an

entire semester.

Aspergillus sydowii was the type of mold found in larger quantities,

40 to 56 percent, than any of the other numerous molds identified.

This type of mold has a very slow growth rate, leading to the

conclusion that it was present in the building for some time.

Professor of Biology Skip Wittler hypothesized that " heavy rains and

mild winters have both contributed to this particular mold. "

However, it is rare that this type of mold leads to any serious

health problems, though three diseases can be associated with

prolonged exposure to the mold. The first, onychomycosis, is a

fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails that is difficult to

cure.

The second, Invasive Aspergillosis is a rare fungal infection of the

lungs that has only been present in immunocompromised patients.

Finally, Fungal Keratomycosis is a disease that causes ulcers in the

eye; however, it is very rare.

Some of the other molds found include Aspergillus Nidulans,

Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus Versicolor. Though it is possible

for diseases to arise from exposure to all of these types of molds,

it is very, very uncommon.

" It appears that we are exposed to these molds in everyday life, "

says Professor of Anthropology Axelrod, a West Hall faculty

member. " They are not generally toxic to the general population. "

Wittler, who has looked briefly at the descriptions of molds found,

says " the list of possibilities for health risks is fairly great and

they sound pretty terrible. " However, he questions how great the

problem really is.

But some, including Axelrod, claim to have been ill for some time.

Axelrod, whose office has been located in West Hall for decades,

admits his health problems could be the result of a number of

things, but it appears to be a strong possibility that he is

allergic to one of the types of molds.

Though not a medical emergency, if Axelrod is indeed allergic, " the

allergy has the potential to cause more problems because it affects

the immune system, " Axelrod says.

Wittler feels fortunate the problem was caught early enough that

West Hall could be preserved, as sometimes, buildings with mold must

be destroyed.

" We as a society are getting better at finding these things early

enough for them to be remediated, " he says.