Connector E-Newsletter#34: Take Control of Mold and Moisture
February 24, 2011
Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program
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IN THIS ISSUE
> News and Events
> Mold 411: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
> Mold and Moisture Control Checklist
> Have Your Questions Answered
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
NEWS AND EVENTS
Help Reduce the Spread of Seasonal Influenza: For tips and
recommendations, read the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC's) guide "How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help
Slow the Spread of Flu." This resource is also available in Spanish.
Secondhand Smoke, a Fatal Threat for Children: According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), one in 100 people around the world
die from secondhand smoke each year and nearly two-thirds of the
deaths are children. Read more about secondhand smoke and WHO'S
Tobacco Free Initiative.
Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool: The National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed an
observational assessment tool for identifying and tracking areas of
dampness and mold in buildings. Facilities managers from various
school districts are assessing their schools using the tool and will be
providing feedback to NIOSH on its effectiveness. If you are interested
in piloting this assessment tool in your school district or if you simply
want to learn more, contact NIOSH at moldsheet#1@cdc.gov.
MOLD 411: ANSWERS TO COMMONLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know if my school has a mold problem?
The key to detecting mold growth is to inspect school buildings for
existing or potential moisture issues. Visual inspection of all school areas,
including classrooms, restrooms and kitchens, is essential as mold
PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE
Visit the IAQ Tools for Schools
National Symposium website to
view presentations from this year's
symposium, which was held Jan.
13-15,2011.
SHOULD WE HAVE OUR
SCHOOLS TESTED
FOR MOLD? CAN AIR
FRESHENERS TRIGGER
STUDENTS'ASTHMA?
Have these and other questions
answered on the Schools IAQ
Connector E-mail Discussion
Forum. Join today by sending a
blank e-mail message to schools_
iaq_connector-subscribe@lists.
epa.gov. Then check your e-mail
inbox for your confirmation and
membership details.
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growth may be caused by water leaks, flooding or high humidity and condensation. Mold may not always be visually
noticeable; it can grow under carpeting, inside walls, above ceiling tiles or inside ventilation equipment wherever
there is enough moisture to support growth. Other indicators of mold problems are musty, earthy odors or evidence
of moisture problems, such as water stains or high relative humidity measurements. An increase in complaints from
building occupants experiencing allergic or asthma symptoms may also lead to mold detection. Adverse reactions to
mold are common in individuals with asthma who may be sensitive to this trigger.
2. Who can check for a mold problem at my school?
Although you may test for mold, there are no national standards for mold levels, as mold is always present in natural
environments. Assessing your school building through visual inspection is the most reliable way to detect mold and
moisture issues. Your local or state health department should be able to refer you to local professionals who provide
inspection services if necessary. Some health departments may also offer services to come and help assess mold
conditions in your school buildings. If large amounts of mold are present or if mold is suspected in a building but no
detection has been made, the services of an industrial hygienist may be required. EPA does not certify or license
mold inspectors.
3. How can I clean up mold, and what kinds of chemicals should I use?
To clean up mold safely and effectively, remove the mold as thoroughly as possible and protect workers and
building occupants from exposure during the cleaning process. Cleaning up mold does not require the use of
toxic chemicals; many surfaces may be cleaned with a simple detergent and water solution. If moldy materials are
damaged or cannot be thoroughly cleaned, they should be removed. Dust generated by mold remediation can be
removed by damp wiping smooth surfaces or using vacuums equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA)
filters. For information on the methods and precautions to use when cleaning up mold, consult the EPA guide Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (PDF).
4. Why does mold keep coming back after it is cleaned up?
There is always some mold in the air both indoors and outdoors that will continue to grow in areas with an
abundance of moisture. To prevent mold from returning, the sources of moisture must be identified and fixed.
Structural building issues leaky roofs, cracks in the foundation, deteriorating or faulty windows, or plumbing leaks
should be fixed, as they can lead to repeated moisture problems and trigger mold growth. Weather and climate
can also affect mold and moisture, so controlling the relative humidity indoors is very important. In hot, humid
climates, moisture from outdoor air, as well as moisture from occupant activities, can condense on cool surfaces
such as basement walls, cold water pipes or air conditioning ducts. In cold climates, windows or poorly insulated
walls may sweat in the winter months.
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MOLD AND MOISTURE CONTROL CHECKLIST
Take control of mold and moisture issues at your school using the Framework for Effective School IAQ Management
- guidance that provides technical solutions and strategies to prevent common IAQ problems in schools.
Establish a mold prevention and remediation plan within your greater IAQ management program.
View the IAQ Reference Guide on Mold and Moisture in the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit for tips on
identifying and correcting common mold and moisture issues.
Prevent moisture condensation by increasing surface temperature, installing proper insulation and
improving air circulation.
Eliminate sources of moisture by reducing indoor humidity maintain indoor humidity levels between 30
and 60 percent.
Inspect all school buildings for signs of mold, moisture, leaks or spills.
Respond promptly when you see signs of moisture and/or mold or when leaks or spills occur. Dry all wet
areas within 24 to 48 hours.
Perform regular heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspections and maintenance as
scheduled. Ensure HVAC drip pans are clean and unobstructed and flow properly.
For more information on how to control moisture and mold in the school environment, view and download Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (PDF). This guide is complete with key steps on investigating,
evaluating and remediating moisture and mold problems, helpful tables and photos, and a list of additional
resources.
Mold Remediation'
In Schools and
Commercial »
Buildings
- *
4
To learn how other schools have overcome IAQ issues, including mold and moisture, read the Envisioning
Excellence: Lessons from Effective School Indoor Air Quality Programs-A Snapshot of Profiles in Excellence.
HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
Is there a topic you want to see covered in an IAQ Tools for Schools Connector e-newsletter? Need more
information or have a quick question? Do you have suggestions for a webinar, an e-newsletter feature, or are you
simply curious about an IAQ topic and would like more information? If so, send us an e-mail at IAQTfSConnector@
cadmusgroup.com.
Share YOUR news and events! Send us information to share with the school IAQ community. It could be
featured in the next e-newsletter. E-mail your news to IAQTfSConnector@cadmusgroup.com.
The IAQ Tools for Schools Program is a comprehensive resource to help schools maintain a healthy
environment in school buildings by identifying, correcting and preventing IAQ problems. Learn more about the
IAQ Tools for Schools Program at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
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