Learn the Issues
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Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide: Chapter 2
The content on this page is based on the guide by the same name. However, updates have been made to some resources and links. Here you can find information on mold prevention and remediation.
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How do molds affect people?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold…
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Is Sampling/Testing for Mold Necessary?
In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area…
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Can mold cause health problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold…
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How does mold affect asthma?
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact with exposure to molds. Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant and animal matter. Molds can be found almost anywhere, and grow best in damp places such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. For…
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Should I use bleach to clean up mold?
Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when…
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How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling…
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Does ultraviolet (UV) radiation from UV lamps kill mold?
If properly designed, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners that use ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps may destroy indoor biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, and some molds that are growing on the moist interiors of HVAC surfaces (e.g., cooling coils, drain pans, or ductwork). But typical UVGI cleaners used in…
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How can I tell if I have a mold problem?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold…
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What are ten things I need to know about mold?
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold: Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control…
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What does mold smell like?
Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Because mVOCs often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the "moldy odor" or musty smell frequently associated with…
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Interactive Version of the Gasoline Vehicle Label
Interactive gasoline vehicle fuel economy label displays and details.
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What is mold?
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet…
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Interactive Version of the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Label
Interactive version of the plug-in hybrid vehicle electricity-gasoline fuel economy label displays and details.
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Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and…
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Ten Things You Should Know about Mold
Learn about the top ten things to know about mold in your home, as well as the affect it could have on your health
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NIOSH Guidance: Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings
This NIOSH guidance includes a building inspection checklist and may be of interest to people working in office buildings, schools and other nonindustrial buildings.
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EPA Orders Construction Company to Comply with Clean Water Act in St. Croix, USVI
AO for Chitolie. St. Croix, USVI.
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Should I test or sample for mold in my home using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, or ERMI?
No. The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, or ERMI, developed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency researchers, is a research tool and is not recommended for use except as a research tool. For more information, see EPA's Office of Research and Development Fact Sheet: The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index: A Research Tool…
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Text Version of the Mold House Tour
Get a quick glimpse of some of the most important ways to protect your home from mold by touring the Mold House. Room-by-room, you'll learn about the key problem areas and how to address them.