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Division of Business Affairs
Facilities Management and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Mold in our Environment

ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ takes the safety of our students, employees, and community members seriously and strives to create a workplace free from recognized hazards. Here is some general information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

ÌýIt is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. Exposure to mold does not necessarily present a health problem.ÌýGenerally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds.ÌýSince the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk.Ìý

What are molds?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.Ìý

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