Mold & Mildew Prevention

Yes, and in every other building you normally occupy, including your home, and outside, all the time.  Mold spores are always present in outside air and indoor air, except in sterile environments such as certain laboratories and medical spaces.

No.  Repeated inspections and testing have confirmed that there are no systemic water intrusion or mold problems in our halls.

Yes.  Repeated testing has shown the air to be normal, safe and consistent with outside air levels.

Maybe.  Mold spores are always floating in the air and will grow when they have the right amount of moisture.  Condensation around windows or on pipe insulation, for example, can allow certain types of fungus to grow.  What you see could also just be dirt, dust, and particulates that settle and collect on those surfaces.

If those spots are mold, are they dangerous?

Almost certainly not.  We all breathe and touch many types of microscopic mold spores every day and the great majority of people have no reactions.  Some people who have chronic respiratory issues, such as asthma, or who are already sick or what is called immuno-compromised, may have reactions to certain types of mold.

If a student thinks there is a mold issue in their room, they should immediately contact Facilities & Campus Services at 336-758-4255 or workorders.wfu.edu. Students may also choose to notify the Office of Residence Life and Housing (housing@wfu.edu) in addition to notifying Facilities & Campus Services.

• Staff members trained to identify and assess mold quickly and promptly check the area in question.
• If mold is found, the University’s mold management plan is activated by Facilities and Campus Services. Developed in conjunction with third-party industrial hygienists, all practices in the plan are in line with guidelines provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Wake Forest has several methods of responding to reports of mold growth, in accordance with the University’s Mold Management Plan:
  1. Affected areas are cleaned and treated with products that have mold inhibitors.
  2. When mold growth requires complex or sizable (greater than 10 sq ft) remediation, the University works with an approved third party abatement contractor to address the issue.

Student Health Service frequently sees patients concerned about common seasonal illnesses such as the flu, “stomach bugs” and respiratory illnesses that might affect their ability to keep up with academic commitments and social activities. The Student Health Service tracks these illnesses closely and looks for any meaningful trends. Following a review of illnesses to date, there are no notable differences between this year and past years. Further, there is no notable difference between our South Campus communities. 

One of the challenges of being a student on a college campus is exposure to illnesses among friends, classmates and hallmates. Communal living environments – as well as busy, active lifestyles – contribute to college students’ risk of contracting common contagious illnesses.

Yes. Wake Forest has been in contact with several universities and learned that our procedures are similar to theirs or, at times, more advanced.

Mold produces allergens, but like any other allergen, exposed individuals will respond differently. Some may have no reaction, others may experience hay fever-type symptoms and others may experience more significant symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that many students new to North Carolina will experience seasonal allergy symptoms, even without a prior history of this condition. Symptoms typically will arise during the first or second year at Wake Forest. Having never experienced problems with seasonal allergies, many students may attribute these symptoms to a sinus infection or become concerned that there is mold in their residence hall.

Mold is not regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mold is a natural byproduct of various conditions, often occurring in warm and moist environments where there is abundant vegetation such as trees, landscaping plants, and ground coverings. According to the EPA, mold cannot be totally eliminated in the environment unless extreme measures are taken constantly, as would be the case in a “clean room” laboratory.

Indoor sources for mold may be leaking pipes, standing water, damp clothing or towels and condensation in the area. The University is equally concerned about finding the source of the mold and  cleaning it. If mold can be prevented by taking certain steps, the University does so.

Some recommendations, shared with students via informational email:

• Keeping your space open, clean and dry will prevent mold growth and will reduce the amount of dust, dust mites, particulates and other allergens in the air.
• Operate your heating/cooling units within proper parameters. Do not leave windows open during cold weather while running the heat, not during hot weather while running the air conditioning.
• Never leave damp material like clothes, towels or shoes on the floor or any other surface, they give an ideal environment for mold.
• Don’t overcrowd your space with furniture and other items. Keep all furniture and other materials away from heating/cooling units to allow proper airflow and to prevent creating dark, cramped spaces where mold can flourish.
• Immediately report any leak or sign of water intrusion that you notice.