Jun. 13--Industrial hygiene experts have been called to the Jordan Grand Hotel at the Sunday River ski area in Newry following an outbreak of mold inside the 4-year-old building, the resort said Wednesday. 

No health problems have been reported, the resort said, and the building is safe for guests and staff. 

"We have some mold-related problems at the Jordan Grand Hotel," said Susan DuPlessis, a Sunday River spokeswoman. 

"We're in the process of rectifying that." 

Engineers are expected to conduct tests in the hotel over the next few weeks to determine the extent of the problem. 

Mold is becoming more widely recognized as a health concern in buildings across the United States. It typically grows in damp environments, often caused by roof or plumbing leaks. 

There are many types of mold, however, and most pose no trouble for healthy people. 

But toxic mold has shut down buildings in Maine, including Jack School in Portland and Lincolnville Central School. And because there are no clear federal regulations on exposure limits or cleanup methods, dealing with mold can be complex. 

The Sunday River mold was found last month when workers were starting renovations on the hotel's steam room and discovered mold growing behind a wall, DuPlessis said. They recognized the potential for trouble and notified management. 

The Jordan Grand Hotel has 186 rooms, some of which are owned through time share arrangements, and a conference center. It is separate from the resort's older Grand Summit Resort Hotel. 

Sunday River has contracted with Biosafe Environmental Services of Westbrook to inspect the building and recommend remedial action. Mark Coleman, the company's president, said Wednesday that it's too early to characterize the problem or clearly identify the type of mold that's present. 

A team of structural and mechanical engineers will soon inspect the building, he said. 

"There isn't enough data to offer any conclusion or interpretation," he said. 

DuPlessis said the resort has met with the 50 or so workers at the Jordan Grand Hotel and has informed the condominium association. 

"This is something we're working on with our employees," she said. "We don't want to get anyone into a panic. There's no need to." 

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(c) 2002, Portland Press Herald, Maine. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.