After being sick on and off throughout the Spring semester, Lauren Parada’28, decided to test living spaces in Dance Haus, Haven Hall first floor, for mold.
All of the places she tested showed mold growth. However, it’s difficult to determine levels and health-risk from at-home testing.
It’s no secret that most buildings on campus contain mold, but most mold is generally not harmful. However, studies show that dampness and mold are associated with a 30-50% increase in rates of respiratory illnesses. (rubyhome.com)
Parada put most petri dishes out to test airborne mold, but she did conduct a swab-test on her desk in her dorm. “I’m not sure what kind was from the vents, but there was allegedly black mold on my desk and furniture in my room,” she said.
Black mold can cause adverse health symptoms, and many other molds also produce mycotoxins, which are also linked to health problems like asthma and sickness with prolonged exposure, especially in those with mold allergies.
When asked about sickness in the fall semester, Parada expressed that she did not get sick as frequently, but, “I’ve had two leaks in my closet this semester, so I think it could be from water leaks.”
“I’ve been nauseous every day… I’ve had migraines and my nose has been, like, super runny and I’ve just felt like I’ve had a sinus infection all year,” she said. It is unknown if there is a causation between the damp, moldy conditions, and her symptoms, but there is a correlation between the closet leak and onset of symptoms.
According to the United States and Environmental protection agency (EPA), using at-home mold testing is not necessary, since there are no federal regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.
Though the efficacy of at-home kits are debatable, Parada informed The Round Table that Residential Life and Facilities are sending a professional to test the area on Monday, April 27
Featured image: Lauren Parada’28
Additional images: Lauren Parada’28
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