Reports claim that a mall in Toledo, OH, will be shut down if owners don’t remove the black mold and asbestos that was found on the property.

After an investigation was conducted last week, officials discovered the mall was contaminated with asbestos and are worried about the risk this harmful substance poses to customers and employees.

Management Receives Notice

According to a statement that was released from the city of Toledo, the management at the Southwyck Shopping Mall will be receiving a notice regarding the issue.

The notice will inform management that they have 72-hours to remove the mold and asbestos from the building or the mall will be shut down.

“The present condition of the mall makes it a health hazard for the public and employees working here,” states Chris Zervos, the city’s commissioner of building inspection. “They’ll have 72 hours to clean up the mold and secure the asbestos so dust is not allowed to escape into public areas of the mall.”

Risk of Exposure Too Costly

Toledo’s commissioner of environmental services, Tim Murphy, claims that the asbestos was found in the former Montgomery Ward store.

Zervos explains that although this store is not currently open to customers, maintenance crews and other personnel are often working in the area.

“I hope it does not come to the point where we have to shut down the mall,” says Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.

(Source: Toledo Blade)

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