3 species of mold found in Thalia Mara Hall at Jackson MS. See report
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According to a copy of an indoor air quality assessment report, several types of mold were discovered in Thalia Mara Hall.
On August 1, Thalia Mara Hall was unexpectedly closed after “microbial activity” was detected. Jackson city officials did not go so far as to call it mold. The “microbial activity was detected following a recent HVAC control malfunction,” according to an August 1 city press release.
However, the report shows that three mold contaminations were found after an industrial hygienist from CTEH – Environmental and Scientific Consulting Services was hired by the City of Jackson to test the indoor air quality of the venue. The tests were conducted on August 9 and CTEH issued the report on August 14.
The three molds include Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium.
The report states that the mold infestation is “indicative of a catastrophic failure of HVAC functionalities resulting in atmospheric disturbances.” Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba had previously stated that a thunderstorm in late July caused the venue’s HVAC to stop working. The lack of air conditioning and the resulting humidity in the venue created a perfect environment for mold infestation.
Here is a list of the occupational hygienist’s observations according to the report:
- Visible dirt, deposits and possibly mold growth were found on many surfaces.
- Open and sessile fungal biofilms were present throughout the carpet on the first floor of the auditorium.
- On the ground floor of the main hall there was extensive contamination of the wooden surfaces.
- Strong odors and significant growth were observed in the lobby and refreshment area on the ground floor.
- The wooden and plastic surfaces of the furniture in the area were infected with stubborn fungal growth.
- The room on the ground floor, west of the refreshment stations, was the most affected. The smell and organic contamination of the air affected breathing during sampling.
- Fungal growth was observed on the wooden door surfaces, showing stable and established fungal structures.
The testing and subsequent evaluation are the first step in a five-step plan to clean up the mold contamination released by the city and Broadway in Jackson on August 19.
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What are the three types of mold? Are they dangerous?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all three are among the most common molds found both indoors and outdoors.
Aspergillus is a common mold that has the potential to cause infections in humans when they inhale its spores, especially those with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC. Aspergillus and Penicillium often occur together because of their similar spores.
Reactions to Cladosporium are rare, according to Healthline. The mold usually causes an allergic reaction, but can be potentially dangerous and cause a fungal infection in the lungs.
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“The presence of Cladosporium in indoor environments is not uncommon and may be related to accumulated dust and poor cleanliness on certain flat surfaces,” the report said. “Air handling units that accumulate dust and dirt over time may develop Cladosporium because they provide favorable conditions for mold growth.”
The report recommends the following measures
- Immediate stabilization of the indoor climate and repair of the HVAC system.
- Removal of carpet from the northern part of the stage to the end of the first section. Fungal communities are visually distinct in this substrate, indicating the presence of “non-visible hyphal growth under and through the carpet substrate.” This remains a reservoir for future contamination. Other carpets should be cleaned if removal and replacement are not immediately possible.
- All hard surfaces should be wiped down with a damp cloth using a mild detergent and fungicidal solution. This includes floors, walls, supply and return air vents, chair arms, handrails, hard parts of seat backs, furniture, countertops and flat surfaces.
- All soft upholstered surfaces should be cleaned with a suitable mild detergent and, if necessary, a fungicidal solution. Steam injection can be the first step in this process to immediately remove organic matter and fungal growth.
- Fungal growth on hard metal surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with a mild detergent and a fungicidal solution.
- Contact cleaning of the supply air outlets in the ceilings on the ground floor, 2andand 3rd floors.
- The interior of the ground floor air handling unit should be cleaned by contact cleaning if dust has accumulated in the fan housing area and mold has formed.
- All surfaces in the ground floor lobby area should be disinfected and wiped down with a mild detergent and anti-fungal solution, including the ground floor room located west of the refreshment stands.
- It is recommended that a final air quality survey be conducted after the remediation strategy is implemented to evaluate surfaces and conduct a spore trap reduction survey. A psychrometric survey should also be conducted to ensure that the HVAC system is within specifications.
- During all cleaning operations, a high-efficiency particulate air filter device should be used in all areas affected by fungal infestation to reduce the amount of aerosolized dust and potential mold spores.
City publishes statement on report
Shortly before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the city published the report in a press release “in the interest of transparency.”
“The report, reviewed by a senior industrial hygienist, summarizes the findings of the city’s contracted company, CTEH – Environmental and Scientific Consulting Services,” the press release states. “The report recommends repairing the HVAC system and removing some carpets. It also recommends cleaning carpets, hard surfaces, floors and soft upholstery. It also calls for a final air quality assessment study. Today, the remediation team is meeting with city officials for the third time.”
There is no timetable yet for the reopening of Thalia Mara Hall and all major events have been moved to the Mississippi Coliseum.
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The city’s press release also thanked the Mississippi State Legislature, which approved $1 million in improvements to the venue last session. The money will be used to clean up mold.
“However, most important is the health and safety of our community. We will reopen Thalia when these concerns are addressed. We do not currently have a timeframe for repairs, but will update the public when the time comes. The city thanks the public for their patience and understanding during this temporary disruption,” the press release said.
Which shows have been moved to the Mississippi Coliseum?
In a phone call Tuesday afternoon, Arden Barnett, owner of Ardenland, a company contracted to book shows at Thalia Mara Hall, said comedian Ali Siddiq’s Oct. 19 show has been moved to the Coliseum.
He is still waiting to hear whether comedian Kevin Hart’s September 22 show and rock band Kansas’ October 18 show will also be moved there.
Barnett said there was “a chance” Hart’s show would be moved to the Coliseum, but also that “he might be done with Jackson” since he had to postpone his shows in May.
