Stachybotrys Mold in Schools
Schools are Especially Vulnerable to Mold Contamination
Changing construction standards over the past several decades have created schools that are tightly sealed to avoiding leaks. Unfortunately, this can leave no place for excess moisture to escape.
Because mold reproduces in moist places, schools are especially vulnerable to mold problems. Add this to postponed maintenance tasks because of budget problems and mold-friendly structures such as portable classrooms and trailers and you have a recipe for a serious mold problem.
Stachybotrys chartarum, also called “black mold†or “toxic mold,†is especially dangerous in schools where it infects the air breathed by many young students.
Black mold has been linked to asthma and other respiratory problems, and some experts believe that it leads to memory loss in young children and seniors. Mold allergies that affect many people can also be agitated by black mold, causing students and teachers to be ill.
Mold problems associated with schools can be reduced by taking the following three precautions:
- Control Moisture
- Check for mold
- Respond to mold
Any area that is routinely wet in a school should be well ventilated. Showers should have a way for moisture to escape, and kitchens should be equipped with exhaust fans to control excess moisture.
Drip pans from refrigerators and air conditioners should be dried regularly. Standing water in and around bathroom sinks should also be eliminated routinely.
All drinking fountains should be located over a hard surface that can be easily wiped clean, as water that spills on carpet can develop mold easily and is extremely hard to disinfect.
Clean all carpets frequently and thoroughly and make sure that exterior surfaces and piping are well insulated to protect them from condensation.
De-humidifiers and air conditioners can help control moisture. Ideally, humidity levels should never fall below 30% or elevate above 60%.
Check for blotchy or speckled dark patches on walls, furniture and carpets. Especially in high-moisture areas where mold is more likely to grow, personnel should be instructed to monitor for signs of mold and report them immediately.
Discoloration on carpets and walls should be removed as soon as possible and monitored to make sure they don’t reappear.
Because mold can grow on the insides of walls or in dark places that aren’t usually seen, it’s important to also be aware of any unusual musky smells. These can also indicate a mold problem.
Develop a habit of checking the janitor’s closet or mechanical room for any standing water that may occur because of a leak or spill.
If mold is found, respond to it immediately. Any surface that shows signs of mold should be cleaned with detergent and water and then dried thoroughly.
Leaks should be identified and fixed to keep more mold from growing. Any porous materials such as tiles or cloth materials such as paper should be disposed of and replaced.
The unique challenges created by school building construction require school staff and administrators to be even more vigilant about mold growth. The extra care that is taken to prevent the spread of mold in schools can make a big difference in the health of our students.
Further Recommended Reading :
Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team
