Ripon College Days

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 Paul 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.

Article Tools