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http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/publications/moldfactsheet.pdf
Fact Sheet: Mold in Schools
US EPA
Tools for Schools
When mold grows in school buildings and portable classrooms, some staff and students, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems, may report adverse health effects.
Mold requires oxygen, water, and a source of food to grow. There are molds that can grow on almost anything including: wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. Controlling moisture is the key to managing mold in schools.
Why is Mold Growing in Your School?
Mold grows in schools when airborne mold spores land on a damp “food source” and begin digesting it in order to survive.
The water required for mold growth can enter school buildings and portable classrooms through leaky roofs, pipes, windows, foundations, and other structural openings. Water may also enter schools due to floods, poor drainage, or mis-directed sprinklers.
Moisture problems in schools can result from scheduled maintenance activities or conditions during school breaks such as:
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Increased moisture due to painting or carpet cleaning;
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High humidity during the summer; and
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No air conditioning or heating system operation
(or reduced use) when school is not in session. When moisture enters the building and its interior structure, it can condense as it comes into contact with cooler indoor surfaces, such as windows, walls, and water pipes. |
