General Mold Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Molds are fungi and are part of the natural environment. They can be found both indoors and outdoors. They grow best in damp and humid conditions and reproduce through spores which spread by becoming airborne.

Although mold spores can be found almost anywhere, they need moisture and nutrients to grow. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. The availability of nutrients in indoor environments rarely limits mold growth because wood, wallboard, wallpaper, upholstery, and dust can be nutrient sources. Controlling moisture is therefore the key to preventing mold growth. Occupants should follow the below guidance to control indoor moisture levels:

• Do not pile wet clothes or towels.
• Promptly address wet carpet and furnishings.
• Keep windows closed. Maryland’s Eastern Shore experiences periods of high relative humidity and open windows permit humid air and rain water to enter the occupied space.
• Operate air conditioning equipment to maximize humidity control, as follows:
  • Set thermostat at 75 F (24 C or mid-point for controls with “cooler/warmer” settings.)
  • Set Fan speed to low, if adjustable. Also, set fan to “auto” if selectable.
  • Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance in front of floor mounted A/C units.
  • Under no circumstances should the air conditioner be operated when windows are open. Doing so often leads to the formation of condensation on room surfaces, which allows for mold growth.
• If the room has a dehumidifier, operate it continuously and empty the water tray as often as necessary.
• If residents are responsible to clean the bathroom, use a cleaner which contains bleach and use a brush to remove mold in showers and other areas of the bathroom.

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds.For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with asthma and/or mold allergies may have more severe reactions

In general, persons who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk for infection from mold. A weakened immune system may result from certain medications, certain medical conditions and diseases that cause immunosuppression, or from therapy for cancer that causes transient immunosuppression.

Call the Physical Plant Service Center at 410-677-3097 or submit an online work request . On-campus students should promptly report issues in a residence hall to the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

A representative from the University’s Office of Environmental Safety will respond to investigate a report of suspected mold growth in a campus building. The investigation may include visual and olfactory assessments and the collection of data, including temperature, relative humidity and moisture readings. The purpose of the investigation is to not only identify suspected microbial activity, but also to identify any contributing factors, such as leaks, mechanical equipment problems, or occupant practices.; The Environmental Safety representative will coordinate the cleaning and remediation, and will work to address any contributing factors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine sampling for molds is not recommended. Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining health risk.

The CDC advises that the term “toxic mold” is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in indoor environments. It is not necessary to identify the type of mold, as all molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.

A number of illnesses have symptoms similar to those caused by an allergic reaction to mold, including viral and bacterial infections and sensitivities to other environmental and food allergens. It is important to see a qualified health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency maintains an informational website on mold related topics, as does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . For sample photographs of mold, visit the EPA’s Mold Image Library