Mold FAQs

Indoor mold refers to various types of fungi that can grow inside buildings under suitable conditions. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, often causing concerns for both structural integrity and human health.

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

 

Please contact either Student Health Services (SHS) or the BU Occupational Health Center (BUOHC) to report any potential health concerns related to mold.

Ref: Mold and Health EPA webpage

Mold can grown anywhere when there is (a) excess moisture, stemming from inadequate ventilation, condensation, or water damage, and (b) sufficient organic substrates, such as food, dust build-up, or even the paper backing on gypsum wallboard. nutrients, such as dust, Where mold spores are ubiquitous the environment and organic substrates are also plentiful, the key to controlling mold growth in controlling moisture.

Mold can be found in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and areas affected by water leaks. In fact, molds can be found almost anywhere as they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. It can grow on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, and household items. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the best way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. At Boston University, CPO works to prevent indoor mold growth by ensuring proper ventilation, addressing water leaks promptly, and promptly drying and cleaning areas affected by water damage. While our mechanical systems should deliver conditioned air below 60% RH, indoor humidity can be increased through cooking (e.g. boiling water) or showering without using the window or bathroom fan. Residents should ensure that these systems are being properly used in these circumstances.

Ref: EPA Ten Things You Should Know About Mold Webpage

Dark-colored dust around ventilation diffusors is often mistaken as mold. Regular cleaning will remove the dust. In most cases, diffusors will lack either the excess moisture (from condensation) or organic substrates that are necessary for mold growth.

Please note that students are responsible for cleaning ventilation diffusors in their rooms.

There is always a little mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces.

Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically “mycotoxins”). Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and even those that do will not do so under all surface or environmental conditions.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty.  Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be.  At Boston University, all suspect mold growth is treated the same, in that it will be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow will be mitgated.

There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.

Ref: CDC Mold and Health Webpage

No, the EHS department does not collect air samples for mold, as the results are often inconclusive and easily misinterpreted. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards. While surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated, this is not typically completed at BU, based on how we remediate mold impacts (see the next question).

BU CPO follows the general concepts in the EPA publication Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA 400-K-01-001, Reprinted September 2008), as well as Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (S520).

BU CPO follows guidelines listed in Table 1: Water Damage – Cleanup and Mold Prevention.

BU CPO follows guidelines listed in Table 2: Guidelines for Remediating Building Materials with Mold Growth Caused by Clean Water.  Note for any remediation deemed to medium to large in size will be handled by an outside vendor.

In the event of an emergency or if you need immediate assistance at night or on weekends, please contact the Facilities Operations & Service Center if you are on the Charles River or Fenway Campus at 617-353-2105, or the Control Center at 617-358-4144 if you are on the Medical Campus.

• Students : Contact your RA or the appropriate Res Life Office, depending on your location.
• Faculty/Employees: Contact your Area Manager
• Rental Tenants: Contact the office of Real Estate

Students, Faculty, Employees, and Rental Tenants are also suggested to reach out to EHS to report any concerns (OEHS@bu.edu)