The state’s top mold expert is trying the calm the concerns of some Department of Human Services workers in downtown Cedar Rapids. Iowa Department of Public Health Educator Sara Colboth told the 150 state workers that two independent testing agencies say the flood damaged building, at 411 3rd Street SE, does not have a mold problem.
Colboth also says precautionary air quality testing in other downtown buildings isn’t necessary."Most of time, you can see mold growth and mold has to have a significant source of moisture or water to be able to grow," Colboth said. "So, the standard for determining if there’s a mold problem is simply through visual inspection and there’s no need to spend the money on testing."
Air in the building that houses the DHS workers was tested after employees suspected mold might be causing some illnesses. Colboth says both test showed indoor mold levels were much lower than levels outdoors.