Students living in a dorm at the University of Maryland will be relocated over the coming days after mold was found in the building.
Mold has been reported throughout Elkton Hall, university officials said in a letter to students. The university says there are also isolated reports of mold in other residence halls.
Photos taken by students show mold on windows, furniture and personal belongings like shoes and purses. One student says the mold made her sick.
"I also have severe lung spasms now that require me to use an inhaler every four to five hours," student Jessica Mendez said. The school did not immediately respond when asked about the reported illness.
According to a letter posted on the university's website, it appears the school first responded to reports of mold in Elkton and other residence halls last week. In a Sept. 20 correspondence, the university offered students living in Elkton Hall temporary linens while their belongings were cleaned.
The university believes recent rain and high humidity exacerbated the problem.
Out of an abundance of cautions, the university decided Friday to move students living in Elkton Hall to local hotels because of the "wide occurrences of reports of mold. The move will be done floor-by-floor, over a number of days, the university said in an email Friday night.
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Several students were seen leaving with suitcases on Sunday afternoon. The school said a professional moving service and shuttle between the hotel and campus will be offered.
While the students stay in the hotels, furniture will be replaced, dehumidifiers will be put in the halls and contractors will clean each room, the university says.
Students who have questions or service requests should call 301-314-9675.
