· We have performed surface and air testing in several rooms in the building and those samples are being evaluated by an independent laboratory, Assured Bio Labs.

· We do not have final results of the testing at this time. We expect a summary report from the certified professional industrial hygiene firm, Environmental Air Quality Professionals, on Thursday, followed by a full, final report next week.

· No definitive cause of mold growth has been identified, but an independent certified industrial hygienist has indicated that significant rain, above average humidity conditions outside, individually controlled air conditioning units within each suite, and the ability to open and close windows in rooms contributed to escalated mold growth.

· Humidity level has been lowered and the mold has stopped spreading.

Health and Safety:

· Given preliminary air sample results, we have no reason to believe that there are major health and safety risks.

· The people most likely to have reactions to mold exposure are those with pre-existing conditions including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments. Ongoing exposure can aggravate those conditions.

· Students who have chronic conditions should not attempt to clean mold from their belongings themselves. Further exposure to the mold as well as to the cleaning products used could further increase their reaction.

· Respiratory symptoms include stuffy nose, wheezing, coughing, chest congestion, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. More severe reactions may include fever and chills.

· Personal belongings in the rooms are contaminated and should not be removed at this time. University Housing will provide guidance in the coming days on how to clean your belongings.

Remediation

· The certified professional industrial hygiene firm, Environmental Air Quality Professionals, will develop a comprehensive remediation protocol.

· Belfor Property Restoration, an independent contractor that specializes in microbial remediation, will perform the work as prescribed in that protocol, and EAQP will verify the outcome.

Why move?

· To properly ensure the entire building is cleaned in the most efficient and effective way, Belfor has recommended that the building be unoccupied during the work. If some residents stay in the residence hall, there is the possibility of cross-contamination of clean areas and areas that have not been cleaned yet.

Timeline:

· University Housing will begin moving students into other residence halls and apartment buildings in the area beginning within the next few weeks, as soon as details are finalized.

· Affected students will be updated on the timeline and accommodation information as soon as it is available.

· The remediation process will begin when all students have been relocated from the building and is expected to take 14 weeks. Laurel Hall will remain closed through the academic year.

Alternative immediate housing and other concerns:

· Laurel residents can contact their hall director if they are concerned.

· More detailed information will be coming very soon.

· Refer to the email sent to Laurel Hall residents on proper use of the air conditioning units.

· Students can launder textiles they need short-term on high heat settings. On hard surfaces, such as countertops and furniture, use anti-fungal solution or detergent and water to wash mold off and then dry completely.

How did the university learn about the issue?

· All residence halls were inspected prior to the start of the academic year. University Housing received several maintenance requests about issues related to the damp, humid weather in mid-September.

· Housing maintenance staff inspected numerous rooms in buildings and University Housing sent an email to students on September 20 reminding them to submit maintenance requests if they had concerns.

· Last week, University Housing received multiple maintenance requests from Laurel Hall. After a building inspection revealed visible mold in several locations, staff met with Belfor, UT’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and Facilities Services to develop a plan, which included placing 42 dehumidifiers throughout the building to stabilize the environment and reduce further mold growth.

· The same staff sent emails to Laurel Hall residents alerting them to issues, advising them about the dehumidifiers, and instructing them on proper use of in-room air conditioning units.

· The next day, a certified industrial hygienist conducted a building-wide inspection.

· On October 3, Laurel residents were notified that a relocation plan was being developed.