Mold. It's amazing that this little 4 letter word can cause a building structure to be shut down. It is also a fact that this fungus can release toxic spores which can create many unknown illnesses in people of all ages.
I was recently told by a very reliable contact that due to the nature of the quickbuilds, most kh's utilize some sort of underground HVAC system. Since the ventilation ducts are placed under ground level, moisture can seep into or allow condensation to form in the ductwork. If this moisture is not properly evaporated, mold can form and its spores can then be freely spread through the air into the kh. Someone with HVAC or even RBC experience should comment on this further. If you participated on a RBC, you should be able to confirm this situation.
So what would happen if mold was to be found in the kh's? First off, the kh would have to be shut down. Drats! If the duct work of the HVAC system is partially located in the foundation of the kh, can you imagine the costs involved in repairing the problem? The KHAA fund would be depleted in no time. How many thousands of kh's are there in the USA alone?
How many kh's have you been in that smelled musty or moldy? I've been in a couple during my lifetime. How many of the r&f that complain of feeling ill are not making it up? Could they have been or are continually being exposed to toxic mold spores from the kh? The WTS knows about this. The Jan. 7, 2004 letter to the Bodies of Elders states in part:
The branch office is receiving an increased number of reports that there are moisture related problems in Kingdom Halls. Left unchecked, moisture from water leaks, condensation, filtration, or flooding can cause thousands of dollars of damage to building structures and finishes. All leaks(pipes, roofs, and so forth) must be repaired immediately. If the affected area is not cleaned and dried within 48 hours, further problems may result. In high humidity areas, the HVAC system may have to be set to run for a short time each day, even when the hall is unoccupied. This will aid in drying the air and preventing dampness and mold. If you have a serious moisture problem that is beyond your ability to properly repair, please immediately contact your Regional Building Committee or the Kingdom Hall Desk in the Service Department for assistance, if the Regional Building Committee cannot be reached.
Anyone who is still attending meetings should take notice. If your hall smells musty or you have more than a handfull of people who complain of feeling ill all of the time, it may be due to mold growing in the kh. Make the elders test for mold. If they refuse, take the issue up with your local gov't health office. Keep pressing them! Getting the kh shut down isn't such a bad thing, is it? And making the WTS pay for repairs is icing on the cake. If a lawsuit were to come out of this where it could be proven that mold contributed to the failing health of someone that regularly attended the kh, that would be a nice bonus.