Additional Resources

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.

When mold is detected, UW-Stevens Point follows the mold management plan to remediate the problem.

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.

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, who are already sick, or who are 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 submit a work order. If the student needs assistance with the work order, they can get assistance at the front desk or from other hall staff.

• Staff members who are trained to identify mold assess the area in question.
• If mold is found, our mold protocol is activated. All practices in the plan are in line with guidelines provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• UW–Stevens Point has multiple methods of responding to reports of mold growth, in accordance with the mold protocol:
  • Affected areas are cleaned and treated with products that have mold inhibitors.
  • When mold growth requires complex or sizable remediation, UW-Stevens Point 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. Student Health Service tracks these illnesses closely and looks for any meaningful trends.

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. Staff at UW–Stevens Point have been in contact with several universities and learned that our procedures are similar to theirs.

Mold produces allergens, but like any other allergen, exposed individuals will respond differently. Some may have no reaction, some 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 Wisconsin will experience seasonal allergy symptoms, even without a prior history of this condition. Symptoms typically will arise during the first or second year at UW–Stevens Point. 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 have been linked to indoor moisture and lack of air movement. In the past, leaking pipes, standing water, damp clothing or towels, and condensation in the area have been contributing factors. Furniture very close to walls or blocking heating/cooling units have also led to increased moisture due to lack of air flow. UW-Stevents Point is equally concerned about finding the source of the mold and cleaning it. If mold can be prevented by taking certain steps, we will do so.

Recommendations:

• 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 or suspected mold that you notice.