MONTREAL/June 20, 2000—
Concordia University has temporary closed the basement level of its Visual Arts Building (1395 RenÈ LÈvesque Blvd. W.), following the discovery of fungal growth in the exterior basement walls. The problem was discovered following a complaint from a technician who was experiencing breathing difficulties while working in the area.
Upon receiving the report, Christine Sidhom, Industrial Hygienist with Concordia's Environmental Health and Safety Department, contacted the Institut de Recherche SantÈ SÈcuritÈ Travail and was advised to bring in environmental safety experts from the CLSC CÙte des Neiges. These experts toured the site early this afternoon, and are working with the University on a plan of action.
This will include an immediate clean up of the affected area, conducted by external contractors. The source of the problem has been identified as water inundation through he foundation and the University will undertake the work required to address the problem.
Remedial contractors will conduct a survey of the area tomorrow morning, and clean up will be begin as early as tomorrow evening. The University hopes to have all affected personnel return to their work area by late next week.
Since the University has been assured that the problem is localized and does not pose a threat to staff or students in other parts of the Visual Art Building, their activities will not be interrupted. However, courses offered through Concordia's Centre for Continuing Education, which were to take place in the affected area, have been rescheduled for July and relocated to the Centre at 1600 St. Catherine St. W.
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