Scientific Mold Inspection - Los Angeles Mold Inspection and Mold Prevention Services

Mold in Public Buildings

Schools and Mold and Indoor Air Quality

The Agency's premier resource on this issue is the Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools kit.

Our schools-related resources on the web start at: epa.gov/iaq/schools.

The asthma companion piece for the IAQ Tools for Schools kit, titled Managing Asthma in the School Environment (epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma) has been recently published. This publication has a section entitled Clean Up Mold and

Moisture Control at: epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/eat-cumcm.htm
Excerpt from IAQ Tools for Schools kit companion piece, Managing Asthma in the School Environment:
Mold can affect us in many areas of our lives from the home, the school room, the workout gym, and the workplace. The EPA has developed a series of guidelines to help protect the public from mold exposure and tips on mold prevention. However, as of January, 2007, no standard has been set by a Federal agency determining what is a hazardous level for mold. All agencies are in agreement that mold should be evaluated, prevented, and remediated to ensure the safety of all individuals in contact with the mold.

Indoor Air Regulations and Mold

Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. Indoor Air Regulations and Mold. Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set.

Common Moisture Sources Found in Schools

Moisture problems in school buildings can be caused by a variety of conditions, including roof and plumbing leaks, condensation, and excess humidity.

Some moisture problems in schools have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the past twenty to thirty years.

These changes have resulted in more tightly sealed buildings that may not allow moisture to escape easily.

Moisture problems in schools are also associated with delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance, due to budget and other constraints.

Temporary structures in schools, such as trailers and portable classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and mold problems.

New Environmental Protection Agency's Publication Raises
Mold Health Issues in Commercial Buildings

The EPA has published a new reference document, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" (EPA 402-K-01-001)

This publication is the governmental standard for mold and treatment of commercial buildings.

The EPA states that mold in commercial buildings contaminates or destroys everything it grows on including building walls, air conditioning, ceiling and carpeting, etc.