COLUMBUS, Ohio — Students living in The Ohio State University’s Lawrence Hall were informed by the school this week that they will be moved to another residence at the beginning of the spring semester due to potential air quality issues.
10TV's Kevin Landers reported earlier this week that Lawrence Hall, once considered Tier 1 living for students, is at the center of a mold controversy that has left students concerned about their health and living conditions.
A water leak affecting 19 rooms in Lawrence Tower, that the university says was first reported on Oct. 28, has led to mold growth, prompting the university to relocate 41 students so far. However, the issue appears to be more widespread, with students on other floors also reporting symptoms and visible mold.
Freshmen Emerson Bautsch and Jojo Eberhart, who live on the 8th floor, far from the reported leak, say they are experiencing health issues.
"We've been pretty sick, coughing, sore throats, stuffy nose since we've gotten here," said Bautsch.
The students speculate that poor air circulation, possibly due to windows that don't open, might be contributing to the problem.
Concerned parents hired Zach Duffey, a mold inspector, to investigate the building. His assessment was stark.
"That building has seen decades of water leaks, water abuse, sometimes behind the walls. The mold was not properly addressed," he said. Lab analysis confirmed the presence of black mold in the building.
Duffey emphasized the potential health risks, stating, "High concentrations and long exposures should be avoided. There are plenty of links to these types of mold and health issues."
In response, Ohio State University acknowledged that a parent representative coordinated testing of 28 rooms without consulting the university. The results showed evidence of mold in most rooms tested. The university has offered room change requests to affected students.
Students who have requested to move report that it took about a week for the university to find them new housing.
On Friday, students were informed that they will move to alternative accommodations by the beginning of spring semester, an Ohio State spokesperson said.
“Each student will have the option to move to a new on-campus or master-leased near-campus location, or to elect to cancel their housing contract to move home, live with a relative or identify an alternative housing option,” the statement read in part. “We will promptly work directly with any residents of rooms that indicate the need for more immediate relocation or further analysis. We are taking care to analyze each room individually and consult with our third-party consultant and Columbus Public Health, and students who do not wish to relocate until the end of the semester may remain in their current rooms when possible.”
The spokesperson said that early review indicated most rooms are “within the expected range when compared to the immediate outdoor environment.”