BLACK HAWK — There has been a lot of talk about mold at Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center, but how much is it actually a health concern? According to Gilpin County Public Health Director Alisa Witt, there is a good deal of misinformation about mold, what it is, and when it becomes dangerous.

Mold is a naturally occurring fungus found both indoors and outdoors. Its spores are always present in the air, and finding mold in a building doesn't necessarily mean the air is unsafe. Moisture is what allows mold to grow, and controlling that moisture is important.

The concerns began after moisture was discovered beneath two carpet tiles in the preschool classroom. Questions were raised about the flooring installation, possible mold growth, and whether children and staff were being exposed.

Resident Astral Carr brought those concerns before Gilpin County commissioners on October 13. His wife, Amy Carr, is a former director of the center.

Witt said she spent approximately 100 hours investigating the complaints, reviewing documents, and consulting with experts. She also tried twice to arrange meetings between Carr and the experts who reviewed the mold concerns, but said Carr declined both meetings. 

Instead, he contacted one of the experts independently. According to Witt, the laboratory's chief mycologist told Carr that the test results did not indicate a health hazard. Witt eventually stopped trying to arrange further discussions.

"I'm not an expert on mold," Witt said. She explained that she relies on specialists when investigating environmental health concerns, especially those involving children.

Two air quality tests were reviewed. The first showed no significant mold concerns. The second showed slightly elevated mold spores, but that test was conducted after carpet tiles were pulled up, disturbing the material underneath.

Witt explained that disturbing mold can release spores into the air, temporarily affecting test results. It doesn't necessarily reflect what children and staff breathe during a normal day.

She consulted with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, an independent industrial hygienist, and the chief mycologist at the laboratory that analyzed the samples. According to Witt, the experts agreed that the evidence did not indicate a dangerous mold exposure.

Unlike asbestos or radon, mold has no universally accepted numerical exposure limit that determines whether indoor air is safe. Mold levels also change throughout the day, making air testing difficult to interpret.

Still, Witt said, moisture problems should be addressed.

The center's board is aware of water intrusion near the preschool classroom and is working to prevent it from happening again. The July report recommends continued HEPA air filtration where appropriate, regular HVAC filter changes, monitoring for moisture, and repairing damaged flooring.

Whether the flooring was installed correctly is a separate issue, Witt explained, and falls outside Public Health's authority. She said further mold testing is not recommended at this time.

Witt has also offered to meet with parents, along with a state indoor air quality expert, to answer questions and explain the findings. For now, Public Health has found no evidence of a mold hazard requiring the center to close.

The full July investigation report and October summary were provided to The Mountain-Ear and include additional details about the testing, findings, and recommendations.