Mold Closes Courthouse

The Roderick Ireland Courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts remained closed this week due to an ongoing mold problem, WWLP-News reports.

The courthouse in Hampton County closed last Wednesday after staff and members of a jury saw and smelled mold in some of the courtrooms, the Boston Herald reports. The mold, which may have been the result of recent rainy and humid conditions, was found behind bookcases and on carpets, floors, and seats. A musty smell hung in the air in several of the building’s rooms.

The Ireland Courthouse, which was built in 1975, has a history of mold and unhealthy indoor air quality. People who work in and visit the courthouse have long criticized it for inadequate and poorly functioning ventilation, water leaks, mold, and other deficiencies. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, courthouse officials are especially concerned about ventilation and air quality.

A mold remediation company is cleaning the building and running air quality tests. Courthouse officials will determine when and if the facility will open once all assessments have been completed.

“I’m not going to take any chances with the health and wellness of my employees,” said Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.

Learn about methods to detect and eliminate mold in your facility.