Mold in Schools

Remediation and Mold Removal in Schools

Mold exists everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors.  When mold spore counts become elevated indoors compared to their outdoor counterparts, mold exposure can create health hazards in building inhabitants and cause structural damage to a property.  Mold exposure is dangerous in every situation.  Perhaps the most dangerous of situations can occur in schools. There is an EPA Mold In Schools fact sheet that has some helpful information.

Mold in schools is exponentially more dangerous than mold in a typical home because of the sheer number of people it can affect.  Hundreds of students, teachers, and faculty members frequent schools on a daily basis.  While families living in a home with mold can become just as ill, mold exposure in schools can affect exponentially more people in the same amount of time.  Mold remediation is crucial to the health and welfare of all inhabitants of the school.

One of the most common mold FAQs is, “How does mold affect a person’s health?”  Many species of mold produce toxic byproducts that can cause the following physical ailments, allergic reactions, and illnesses such as Skin or Eye irritation, Congestion, Headaches, Shortness of Breath, High Fevers, or Asthma.

Since mold affects everyone in unique ways, it is important for mold in schools to be eradicated before reactions occur.  Parents, children, and staff can identify mold symptoms if it seems students are suffering from frequent colds, flu-like symptoms, or hay-fever-like symptoms.

To prevent mold growth in schools, faculty must remain vigilant about the causes of mold and understanding how the toxic fungus behaves.

Mold grows because of moisture.  Leaks, floods, storms, and sewage damage are some common causes of mold growth in schools.  Since mold can begin to grow just 48 hours after water damage occurs, moisture and water damage issues must be handled first before mold remediation can start.  Mold thrives in damp, dark, humid areas.  Storage rooms, boiler rooms, basements, and school cafeterias are amongst the most common areas in schools that are affected by mold.

When mold is found in schools, it is important to notify parents and faculty immediately.  Indoor air quality is essential to the health and welfare of students, teachers, and staff members.  While many state governments have not created laws regarding proper mold remediation, it is crucial to employ a reputable certified mold contractor to eradicate the mold safely and efficiently.

A certified commercial mold contractor will:

• Contain the affected mold area(s) to prevent cross contamination
• Provide a thorough inspection of all mold affected areas
• Inspect other areas to ensure cross contamination has not occurred
• Utilize HEPA Filtration Units and Vacuums to remove live and dead mold spores
• Adhere to IICRC S520 Mold Removal Guidelines to Remediate Mold

While mold growth found in schools can cause a temporary disruption in daily activities, it is vital to report the contamination immediately and remediate the mold as soon as possible.  By doing so, the safety of students, staff, and faculty will be protected.