Despite recent rumors of mold making a comeback in Irwin Hall, university officials believe students probably are dealing with mildew
Teresa Clounch, associate dean of students, said for the areas students are complaining about to be considered mold, samples of the spores will have to be collected and tested
Gary Walbridge, director of the physical plant, said the physical plant is prepared to deal with such instances.
“The physical plant staff stocks mold kits so that we can see if we are dealing with mildew or mold. If mold is suspected, then we contract with a consultant,” Walbridge said.
The consultant then takes samples from the building and tests them to determine whether or not mold exists in the building. Irwin’s roof leaked last year causing mildew to be common in certain areas, which led to concerns about mold, however, last year’s results from consultants came up negative for mold. The roof on the building was replaced over the summer
Clounch said the first step in taking care of the mildew problem is for students to tell their resident assistant or submit a service request. She said it is important for students to submit a report when they first notice mildew so that it can be taken care of quickly.
Freshman Stacy Yowell and her roommate Morgan Taylor, also a freshman, noticed mildew growing in their room within the first two weeks of moving into Irwin and submitted a report.
“They came out quickly, within a day or two, and they cut a hole behind our shower and caulked it, but it didn’t work,” Yowell said. “They did that twice then came back and replaced the toilet.
When students submit a service request, the physical plant workers will go into the room and spray the area with a mixture of water and bleach that will kill the mildew, Walbridge said
“We were impressed with how quickly they responded to our requests,” Yowell said
Walbridge said students can help prevent the growth of mildew
“One thing we encourage students to do who live in halls that do not have double-paned windows, is to wipe the moisture off of the window as it appears,” he said. “Besides the windows being kept dry, it is essential that there is good ventilation in those areas of high moisture.
Walbridge said students should always be aware of whether or not the ventilation fan in the restroom is working, too.
“If not, notify maintenance as soon as possible,” Walbridge said.