INDIANA
UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY at INDIANAPOLIS
IUPUI
• Department of Environmental Health and Safety
•
620 Union Drive, Room 043, Indianapolis, Indiana
46202
Mold
Information
Molds,
a type of fungi, are found both indoors and outdoors.
They are necessary for the recycling of organic
building blocks that allow plants and animals to
live. Molds need external organic food sources and
water to be able to grow. Molds can grow on a variety
of things including; wood, leather, cloth, carpets,
sheet rock, and insulation. It is possible for people
to become exposed to molds and their products, either
by direct contact on surfaces, or through the air.
Many molds reproduce by making spores. When these
spores land on a moist food source, they can germinate
and begin reproducing. Molds have varying requirements
for moisture, food, temperature and other environmental
conditions for growth. Indoor spaces that are wet,
and have organic materials that mold can use as
a food source, can and do support mold growth. Mold
spores or fragments that become airborne can expose
people indoors through inhalation or skin contact.
Molds can have an impact on human health.
Health
Effects of Mold Exposure
Mold
spores primarily cause health problems when they
enter the air and are inhaled in large number. For
some people, a relatively small number of mold spores
can cause health problems. For other people, it
may take many more. The basic rule is, if you can
see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess
moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mold. Allergic
reactions may be the most common health problem
of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone
or in combination) include:
• |
respiratory
problems, such as wheezing and difficulty in
breathing |
• |
nasal
and sinus congestion |
• |
eyes-burning,
watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity |
• |
dry,
hacking cough |
• |
sore
throat |
• |
nose
and throat irritation |
• |
shortness
of breath |
• |
skin
irritation |
• |
aches
and pains |
• |
possible
fever |
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Indoor
Air Regulations on Mold
There
are no state or federal statutes or regulations regarding
molds and indoor air quality. Some public agencies,
however, do make publications regarding mold on indoor
air quality available to the public.
Eliminating
Mold
There
is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold
spores in the indoor environment; the way to control
indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Fixing
the source of the water problem or leak to prevent
mold growth is the first step. Then, reduce indoor
humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by:
venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating
sources to the outside; using air conditioners and
de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using
exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and
furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent,
and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling
tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced. Condensation
prevention is also important. Reduce the potential
for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows,
piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding
insulation. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture
problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking
fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors
with leaks or frequent condensation).
Mold
Reporting Procedures
When
water leaks, overflows, or condenses on building materials,
it can damage the building or lead to mold growth.
Mold can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
and lead to costly, disruptive clean-up. To prevent
building damage and mold growth, prompt clean-up is
necessary. As a building occupant, you can help minimize
interruptions by contacting Campus Facility Services
as soon as possible. During regular hours (Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) call your Zone Operations
trouble line. If you don't know the zone you're in,
please check our Facility
Operations Map. For all emergencies after 4:00
p.m. M-F or on weekends call 278-1900.
Zone
One 278-1420 Zone
Four 278-1800
Zone
Two 278-1620 Zone
Five 278-3900
Zone
Three 278-1940
Grounds
274-3816
If
mold or any suspected mold-like material is discovered
in a University building, call IUPUI Environmental
Health & Safety (EHS) at 274-2005 as soon as possible
to report the problem. DO NOT handle materials or
attempt to clean up the area. If the mold infestation
appears extensive, isolate the area and keep people
out until EHS staff can make an assessment.
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