Malone Hall update: Potential black mold, rodent feces

Link to comparison photo: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8945704/

Mold tests conducted by The Tropolitan indicate the presence of numerous spores and, potentially, black mold; additionally, while maintenance workers were replacing damaged ceiling tiles, rodent feces fell from inside the ceiling, covering student artwork. 

The Tropolitan performed a total of five at-home, Mold Armor brand tests in Malone Hall: three visible mold tests on ceiling tiles taken from different rooms, one HVAC test in the women’s bathroom and one air test in the theater black box.  

SLIDESHOW: TEST RESULTS FROM GALLERY

The tests were then taken to Dr. Joong-Wook Park, an associate professor at Troy University specializing in microbiology, who examined the samples under a microscope. 

He discovered at least four different kinds of mold, including one that resembles the shape and make-up of Stachybotrys – also known as black mold.  

The tile is from the Malone Hall Gallery. While Parker cannot definitively say the sample is black mold without further testing, he said there is a strong resemblance.  

Park identified tiles from room 121 and room 118 as having a species of penicillium, sometimes known as bread mold. 

“If they are exposed to a high dose of spores, then that may be bad for their health,” Park said. “For the penicillium, it depends on the species – some species are good, others are sometimes bad . . . [and] it’s surely bad for people who are allergic.”

A 2022 study by The National Institutes of Health estimates that 3-10% of people are allergic to mold. 

SLIDESHOW: TILES ONE AND TWO

All three tested ceiling titles have since been removed by Troy University’s physical plant, but Parker says the environment for mold to flourish is an unhealthy one.  

“Fungus only grows when they have moisture,” Park said. “Once moisture accumulated, not only the fungus, but many other things also, like it, like cockroaches and other insects.” 

The at-home air test from the black box was conducted by leaving a petri dish, which contained the microbiological growth medium potato dextrose, open on a flat surface for an hour. It was then taped shut, and three days later, there was mold

growth – indicating that the room has a presence of mold spores in the air.  

The at-home HVAC test was conducted by taping a similar petri dish to an air duct for 20 minutes. The mold growth indicates there are spores blowing out from inside the air conditioner. 

Pictured: samples taken from the air vent in the women's bathroom and from the air in the theater black box.

Alicia Hartley, a registered nurse and Troy native, said black mold is toxic and grows as the result of prolonged moisture 

"Black mold produces mycotoxins which are released into the air when the mold is disturbed," Hartley said. "Once those mycotoxins come into contact with the body, the immune system senses the toxin and activates the processes to attempt to get the toxin out of the body." 

She said the reaction can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, skin rashes and watery eyes. 

"If the exposure to these toxins is long-term, leaving the immune system in overdrive, other complications can develop  . . . such as an increased susceptibility to bronchitis or pneumonia," Hartley said. 

The Tropolitan decided to test for mold after an interview with a representative from Troy University’s physical plant indicated that there was no record of mold tests in Malone Hall. 

That interview was part of an article published on Sept. 26 which detailed multiple fire hazards, health concerns and safety risks in the building — including a rotted ceiling tile that fell while a class was in session. 

Since the publication of that article, the physical plant has begun removing and replacing ceiling tiles with any visible stains or water damage. Unfortunately, this led to animal feces being dropped into a classroom.  

Contributed photo: A student's art is covered in feces

“When we first discovered all of the rat droppings, we were honestly just stunned and horrified,” said Icie Wallace, a junior graphic design major from Sylacauga, Alabama. “In the painting room in Malone, it was extremely clear that there has been a severe, long-term issue with rats. 

“It is incredibly unsanitary and chilling that we have been working right under them this entire time. The fact that no one thought to clean this when it dropped down and actively damaged student work for assignments is also incredibly demoralizing.” 

Further, due to storms caused by Hurricane Helene, Malone Hall sustained more damage from the rains last Thursday.  

Many of the new ceiling tiles already have visible water stains, and there are new leaks.  

Contributed photo: New ceiling tiles have water marks less than a week after being installed

"Although university physical plant has been engaged in addressing maintenance challenges in the building, responding to more than 40 work requests in the past six months, the maintenance process is being carefully evaluated to ensure that issues are being resolved quickly and up to University standards,” read a statement from Troy University that was released last week.

“Crews are working to address all current maintenance issues as quickly as possible. 

"University leaders are committed to providing a permanent solution to problems in Malone Hall or providing new space to house these programs.”  

Greg Skaggs, department chair of art and design, said he has been documenting the condition of Malone Hall for years. 

“I have made several presentations to upper administration related to the vision of art and design and the future of our program as well as the state of our facilities,” Skaggs said. “I have presented annotated photos of the state of Malone to the dean of the college of communication and fine arts – to which he has been a strong advocate for the health and well-being of our students and faculty. 

“My hope is that the University sees the value that the visual arts, as well as theatre and dance, adds to the overall health and enrichment to Troy University. We have a phenomenal faculty and with support, Troy University could be the finest Visual Arts program in the region. No doubt.”