An apparent mold problem has surfaced in the Arbor Building due to an accumulation of condensation on piping, leaving some questioning how extensive a problem this is for the university.

"The Arbor Building recently had a new roof surface applied; this has eliminated roof leaks that allowed moisture below the roof deck contributing to the mold growth," said Doug Willenberg, director of building maintenance in the Facilities Management and Construction Office.

However, the university's inhabitants, such as raccoons, have gotten into
                                                  Above: Microscopic view of mold spores.
the building and torn the insulation around the pipe chase on the roof top air handling units. This is allowing condensation to form and drip on the ceiling tiles.

To help prevent further damage, the grounds department has set traps for the raccoons and plan to release them in a different location. Mesh wire has also been installed to keep the raccoons out.

Once the mold problem was discovered, the university began soliciting bids for the required repairs. According to Willenberg, the process was slowed because many of the quotes were deemed too high.

Currently, an independent insulation contractor has been brought in to complete the repairs necessary to ensure that the Arbor Building will be free of moisture caused by roof leaks and equipment condensation.

"Mold spores are present all around us all the time," Willenberg said. "It's the moisture we must control if we want to control the mold growth." Clean-up efforts in the Arbor Building include replacing ceiling tiles, cleaning and painting walls and replacing light fixtures.

Until the repairs are completed, Anne Coppenhaver, director for the Center of Educational Programs, said that the room involved in the heaviest mold collection is not being assigned.

Mold is visible in a sealed office space that is used by Psychological Services and shared with the Center of Educational Programs. The mold appears to be coming through the sheet rock even though it has been painted over.

"If a faculty member wants to use the room, they are advised that there is severe mold in the ceiling area near a pipe chase where insulation is absent and condensation present," Coppenhaver said. "We ask that if any students do use the room, they do so with the knowledge of the mold present."

The Bayou Building has also experienced a problem with mold in a volatile chemical storage closet that experienced a roof leak through an exhaust fan. After replacing the sheet rock, air samples taken by the Office of Environmental Health still indicated a high presence of mold. More mold was discovered growing between the double layers of the sheet rock wall. All affected areas were replaced and painted. The closet is now back in use.

Pam Groves, environmental health and safety officer, said recent air samples taken reveal that the problem has been resolved in this particular area.

Visual inspections for mold are completed every six months, while complaints from students or faculty prompts an immediate air test. The cost is $45 per sample to process the results of the air tests.

"This is cheaper than one doctor's visit for a student, so we don't mind doing it," Groves said.

"We try to be very proactive when it comes to mold or any other situation that could affect student, faculty and staff health," Willenberg said.

Above: Ed Zapata, biology major, tries on a graduation gown
in anticipation of his December graduation. Several organizations
were on hand during Grad Fest to supply students with all their
graduation needs including invitations, rings, and cap and gowns.