Information for Service Members, Families, Civilians and Contractors
Indoor Air Quality and Pollution
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. You can lower the risk of health problems for you and your family by understanding and controlling common IAQ pollutants. Learn more about common IAQ pollutants at Indoor Pollutants and Sources
.
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Immediate effects of poor IAQ may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Long-term effects of poor IAQ may include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
Mold
Mold is a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere. There are many different types of mold, and all need moisture to grow. They can grow on almost any substance where moisture is present. Molds reproduce through tiny spores that travel through both outdoor and indoor air.
Mold spores are everywhere, and it’s impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. Therefore, the best way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Video: Protect Your Family from Mold Exposure
If you do not see the video below, visit Protect Your Family from Mold Exposure.
Strategies to Prevent Mold Growth
Control moisture to prevent and control mold growth. Key strategies to control moisture include—
- Cleaning up leaks or spills quickly. Mold is not likely to grow on wet or damp materials that are dried within 24–48 hours after a leak or spill.
- Cleaning and repairing roof gutters regularly.
- Keeping air conditioning drip pans clean and drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
- Venting appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters.
- Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity below 60% (ideally between 30% and 50%), including when your home is not occupied (e.g., while you’re at work or on vacation).
- Running the exhaust fan or opening a window during shower use.
- Increasing ventilation or air movement by opening doors and windows when practical (not while the air conditioning is on), and using fans when needed.
Health Concerns
If you have health concerns about molds, consult your healthcare provider. Don't rely on the color of mold to judge its health risk.
Mold exposure may cause a variety of health effects—or none at all. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Mold can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
Research on mold and its health effects is ongoing. For more information about the health effects of mold, visit Mold .
What to Do if You have Mold Growth
If you live in government housing, contact your facility manager for assistance.
If you find mold in your workplace, talk to your supervisor.
If you find mold in your home, quickly clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. If you don't fix the water problem, then the mold problem will likely come back.
- Remove visible mold on hard surfaces, such as tile or vinyl, with a detergent or soap solution.
- Remove and replace porous materials contaminated with mold, such as ceiling tiles or wallboard. Consider seeking professional services to ensure proper removal and disposal of contaminated materials.
Additional Resources
DHA PH Resources
- Post-Mold Remediation Household Goods Evaluation and Cleaning Fact Sheet
Other Government Resources
Mold Assessments
Mold Recognition, Evaluation, & Control
A visual inspection is the first and most important step in identifying a mold problem and determining corrective actions.
If mold is
visible,
- Determine the total surface area of visible mold growth (square feet). Note all locations and identify water-damaged materials.
- Inspect the following during a visual assessment:
- Crawl spaces.
- Attics.
- Ceiling tiles.
- Structural wood.
- Areas behind wallboard; carpet backing and padding; wallpaper; moudling (e.g., baseboards); insulation and other cellulose-containing materials.
- Ventilation systems, including filters, insulation, and coils/fins.
- Identify the source(s) of water or moisture. Repair small mold and moisture problems before they get worse.
- Plan remediation. Select remediation personnel or a team, personal protective equipment (PPE), and containment equipment.
- Remediate sources of moisture, and clean up the mold.
If mold is not visible,
- Investigate areas associated with occupant complaints and areas with a strong musty odor.
- Investigate all possible pathways for water intrusion that can lead to mold growth.
Please review Technical Guide 278 (TG278): Mold Assessment Guide (2018) for more information on routine investigation and evaluation of moisture and mold problems.
Please review TG 277: Army Mold Remediation Guidance for more information on remediation planning, procedures, and hazard communication.
Sampling
Air and surface sampling is not part of a routine mold assessment. There are no standards or guidelines to compare results for safe or normal levels of mold in the air or on surfaces. Sampling may be helpful if one or more individuals have been diagnosed with a disease that is or may be associated with mold exposure (e.g., aspergillosis). An occupational health physician or medical practitioner may request air sampling to confirm mold exposure and disease diagnosis.
Only experienced professionals should conduct mold sampling and interpret results. Verify experience and credentials before hiring someone to collect mold samples.
Additional Resources
DHA PH Resources
Other Government Resources
Information for Healthcare Providers
