By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer
// Acalanes has closed the school weight room due to a recent discovery of mold on Tuesday, Jan. 9 in one of its corners. The weight room has not reopened since.
Mold is defined as any type of fungus or bacteria that grows wherever moisture is present. Respiratory exposure to mold can result in anything from throat irritation to chronic lung infection, says the Center for Disease Control.
According to Acalanes Athletic Director Randal Takahashi, there is no target as to when the weight room may reopen.
“If it is just on the surface, we can get rid of the mold fairly quickly,” Takahashi said. “But if it is growing throughout the wall, we have to tear apart the interior and work for a while.”
By Anna Yiannikos
After examining the weight room, professionals concluded that an interior pipe leakage led to the growth. Until further notice, staff and students are prohibited from entering the weight room.
“The mold has drastically affected our practice schedule. Instead of lifting, we have moved into the Big Gym and are doing sprint drills instead,” junior football player Mikey O’Donnell said. “I’ve been in the weight room since my freshman year, so I am a little shocked that there was mold found.”
Blueprint will continue reporting on this story as it develops.