Understanding Mold
What is mold?
Molds are fungi found naturally both indoors and outdoors. They can vary in color and texture and often have an earthy or mildew odor.
What causes mold to grow inside?
Molds thrive in moist environments with a food source. They grow well on cloth, wood, and wallboard but can grow on virtually any surface. When moisture isn't dried promptly, molds can reproduce quickly. For more information, visit EPA - Mold Basics
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How do I get exposed to mold?
You can be exposed through direct skin contact with mold or by inhaling microscopic mold spores that travel through the air.
Health & Exposure
How can molds affect my health?
Reactions to mold vary. The most common issues are allergy-like symptoms, especially in people who already have allergies or asthma. Some people have no reaction at all. For more information, visit CDC - Mold.
- Most Common Symptoms (allergy-like): runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes, or sneezing
- Less Common Symptoms: wheezing (should be evaluated by a healthcare provider), coughing, flu-like symptoms, or dizziness
Note: The color of the mold is NOT an indicator of its potential to cause negative health effects.
If you have health concerns that you think may be caused by mold, consult your healthcare provider.
What medical tests can identify mold as the cause of my health problems?
A healthcare provider can best determine the approach based on your symptoms. Allergy tests (skin or blood) are common. However, mycotoxin testing of urine or blood is not considered helpful for diagnosing or treating mold-related conditions. The symptoms and individual patient characteristics will determine the best approach.
What if I think my symptoms are related to mold?
Note when your symptoms occur and see a healthcare provider for evaluation. If you suspect workplace exposure, inform your supervisor and make an appointment with occupational health.
Testing & Standards
Should you test for mold?
A routine mold assessment is based on a visual inspection to find the moisture source and the extent of the growth. Air and surface sampling are not typically needed because there are no regulatory standards for “acceptable” mold levels, and the results don’t change the cleanup process.
What are the standards for indoor environmental conditions?
There are no regulatory standards for mold levels. To prevent mold, humidity should be kept below 60%. Room temperatures are generally based on comfort: 68–75°F in winter and 73–79°F in summer. Guidance for mold remediation and assessments is found in:
Cleanup & Removal
How do you clean up mold?
At Home:
- Correct obvious water leaks or sources of moisture and dry the area within 24 -48 hours.
- Remove visible mold on hard surfaces (tile/vinyl) by cleaning with a soap solution.
- Replace porous materials (ceiling tile/wallboard) contaminated with mold. This may require professional removal. Contact your facility manager if you live in government housing.
- For extensive damage, a professional may be required.
- Removal may include vacuuming with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration or cleaning with detergent and water. Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a minimum of an N95 respirator, safety glasses or goggles, and gloves.
At Work: Report mold growth to your supervisor so it can be removed and cause (e.g., water leaks) can be corrected.
In Department of War Housing and Facilities: Contact your facility or housing manager to report leaks or mold growth.
Note: In humid environments, keeping surfaces dry enough to prevent mold growth can be challending.
Do I need to use bleach?
Stronger products (biocides) like chlorine bleach are not usually necessary. All mold must be cleaned up; it is not enough to use strong products to kill it. For more information, visit EPA - Mold Cleanup.
What is a HEPA vacuum?
A vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is designed to trap very small particles, like mold spores that standard vacuums would release back into the air.
How do you know if mold remediation was effective?
Successful remediation means there is no more visible mold or dust. A common method is the “white glove test,” whereby a clean white cloth is wiped on the surface to check for any residual dust or contamination.
Specific projects, such as buildings that will be occupied by sensitive or high-risk populations, may require specialized sampling for mold.
Can you stop mold with paint or other film-forming products?
Do not paint or use other film-forming products on moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and make sure the surface is dry before repainting. If mold is left on surfaces, it can continue to grow underneath.
