Mold & Mildew Prevention

Wake Forest has several methods of responding to reports of mold growth, in accordance with the University’s Mold Management Plan:

• Trained staff identify and treat areas of where mold growth is found.
• Developed in conjunction with third-party industrial hygienists, all practices within the plan are in line with guidelines provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Trained staff members in Department of Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities and Campus Services are the mold assessors.
• Affected areas are cleaned and treated with products that have mold inhibitors.
• University approved third-party abatement contractors who specialize in mold abatement are used for areas that have mold growth greater than 10 sq ft.

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

Staff members trained to identify and assess mold quickly and promptly check the area in question. If mold is found, the mold management plan is activated by Facilities and Campus Services immediately to promptly remove the mold, determine its potential source (generally moisture in the immediate area) and apply an inhibitor.

Mold produces allergens, but like any other allergen, exposed individuals will respond differently. Some may have no reaction, others may experience hay fevertype symptoms, while 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 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 as it is in cleaning the mold. If mold can be prevented by taking certain steps, the University does so.