COLUMBIA, S.C. - A Charleston-based firm has been hired by the state Budget and Control Board to remove mold at the Gov.'s Mansion.

Risk Tech LLC has managed similar problems in schools, buildings, hospitals and U.S. embassies abroad, according to the board.

The company will work to eliminate the mold and humidity problem that led to the closing Monday of the Gov.'s Mansion. Officials will develop a comprehensive testing and cleanup program that will include health screening for mansion staff and Gov. Mark Sanford and his family.

First lady Jenny Sanford said stachybotrys chartarum has caused health problems with family and staff members. She said the mold was first discovered last August.

Risk Tech also will conduct an analysis of the building's heating and cooling systems to determine whether changes are needed to keep the problem from recurring. Independent air testing will be conducted before the building is reopened.

The mansion - reopened three years ago after the state spent $5.6 million renovating the downtown Columbia building - has been home to governors since the 1870s and was built as faculty quarters for Arsenal Military Academy in 1856.