Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Mold growth on indoor building materials or in ventilation systems can produce allergens and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.
When mold-related concerns are reported within buildings occupied by UVA employees or students, EHS can provide an assessment based on a thorough visual inspection in collaboration with Facilities Management personnel. The inspection will include occupied spaces of concern as well as any related building systems. Air sampling for mold growth is rarely conducted, as it is typically unnecessary and is not considered an industry best practice.
The key to avoiding indoor mold growth is preventing environmental conditions that are conducive to mold growth indoors. Indoor mold can result from uncontrolled moisture or excessive, sustained high humidity. If buildings are well maintained (e.g., ventilation systems, building envelope, plumbing) and flooding and leaks are addressed promptly and sufficiently, problems with mold are very unlikely.
In the event of an indoor flood or water leak, contact the maintenance organization for your facility (e.g., Facilities Management, Housing Maintenance, Health System Physical Plant, etc.) and the Office of Property and Liability Risk Management. An effort will be made to dry wet porous materials (e.g., ceiling tiles, installed carpeting, upholstered furnishings, and wallboard) as soon as possible with the goal of drying materials within 48 hours to avoid subsequent mold growth.
Contact EHS for any health concerns related to mold or indoor air quality.
FAQs
- Does EHS conduct air sampling for mold?
Answer: Air sampling for mold is rarely recommended. This is because the source of musty, moldy odors in a space can usually be determined by a thorough visual inspection of the building and associated ventilation systems. Usually, mold contamination can be identified and then eliminated. - Is it important to know what type of mold is growing indoors?
Answer: Not usually. Sampling for mold and its subsequent identification can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth. - Should I hire a mold inspector if I think I have mold in my workplace?
Answer: If you are tempted to call a third-party vendor that provides mold inspection services, please call the appropriate service desk and/or EHS first. Costs incurred by such vendors will not be covered by the University.
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