Mold and Mildew

What does mold/mildew look like in schools?

Mold looks like fuzzy or slimy patches that can be black, green, white, gray, or even orange. It grows on damp surfaces—think ceiling tiles, walls, window frames, and anywhere there’s been a leak. You might see water stains, discolored spots, or bubbling paint that hint at hidden mold behind the surface.

However, you’ll often smell mold before you see it. That distinctive musty, earthy odor is usually the first warning sign, even when there’s no visible growth. It’s important to note that smell, because mold often grows in hidden spots where water leaks can go unseen.

In schools, mold commonly appears in bathrooms and locker rooms, basements and crawl spaces, and portable classrooms. You’ll find it around windows and water fountains, behind wall coverings and above ceiling tiles, and inside HVAC systems and air ducts. It grows on books and papers, under carpets, and anywhere water has gotten in from leaks, flooding, or poor drainage.

When should I be concerned about mold/mildew?

Pay attention if you see any visible mold growth, no matter how small, or if you smell musty odors. Even if you can’t see (or aren’t sure) if there’s mold in a classroom, look for signs of ongoing moisture issues like leaky roofs, plumbing problems, condensation, flooding, or any damp/wet spots that don’t go away.

You don’t need to wait for laboratory testing to prove there’s mold in order to take action. If you can see it or smell it, that’s enough reason to act. Both the CDC and EPA say visible mold and musty odors are all the evidence you need.

What kinds of health problems can mold/mildew cause?

Mold affects people differently. Some people don’t react much at all, while others get quite sick. How much it affects someone depends on their individual sensitivity and how much mold they’re exposed to.

Common symptoms include allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose, red or itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Mold can also cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, or asthma attacks. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.

Children are especially vulnerable to mold because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. They breathe faster and take in more air for their body size than adults do, and they spend 6-8 hours daily in school buildings.

Over the long term, studies show that mold in schools is linked to the development of asthma, more school absences, lower test scores, and more respiratory infections. For some people (like those with compromised immune systems or existing respiratory conditions) mold exposure can cause more serious effects like lung infections or persistent illness.

Beyond the physical health impacts, learning in a moldy environment isn’t good for students. It makes it harder to concentrate and succeed. It creates stress for families dealing with sick kids. And teachers working in moldy conditions face more staff absences and higher turnover.

Are there any government standards around mold/mildew exposure?

Unfortunately, there are no federal regulations or mandatory air quality standards for mold in schools. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) don’t regulate mold levels or set limits for how much mold is “too much” in indoor air.

What does exist is guidance. The EPA published “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings,” which has become the go-to resource for schools (even though it’s recommendations, not enforceable rules). The key takeaway from this guidance: control moisture to avoid mold in the first place, and address any visible mold or musty odors promptly, no matter what type or how much.

Beyond that, some states (such as Virginia, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts) have set regulations or requirements for testing and monitoring mold in schools. You can look up what’s applicable in your state, but most states still don’t have anything comprehensive to address mold issues.

What kind of data resources are there about this?

Data about mold in specific schools is often hard to find. Most school districts don’t systematically collect or publicly report this information, which makes it hard to know how severe a mold problem is in your school, and how long it’s been an issue. Your school or school district may keep some kind of internal records about complaints, remediation efforts, and air quality assessments, but you usually have to ask for them directly.

You can request information from your school about past mold problems and how they were addressed, maintenance records related to water intrusion and remediation, indoor air quality assessments, and results from tools like NIOSH’s Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool (DMAT). Some state health departments track mold complaints in schools, though reporting is usually voluntary.

Data on the health impacts of mold, however, is clear. Organizations like the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Medicine have documented clear links between mold exposure and respiratory problems, asthma, and allergic reactions.

I think there might be mold/mildew in a school building. What can I do?

Keeping clear records of what you notice and when you notice it is the first step. Take photos of visible mold, water damage, or stains. Note any musty odors. Record your or your child’s health symptoms and when they happen, especially if symptoms improve when they’re away from school. Keep this information in log with dates and locations of what you noticed or felt.

Next, report your concerns. Begin by talking to the classroom teacher and school principal, who should be able to alert higher-ups. If that doesn’t lead to further action, you can contact the district facilities manager or superintendent yourself, or file a complaint with your local health department. Submit concerns in writing whenever possible to establish a timeline of when you alerted the school. When you report the problem, request specific information, such as what specific actions the school is taking, what the timeline is for fixing the problem, and how they will prevent it from happening again.

If your child has health problems you think are related to mold, contact their pediatrician. Document anything the doctor advises based on potential mold exposure. (Children with severe mold sensitivity may qualify for accommodations under Section 504 or ADA.)
Connect with other parents and teachers. Have they noticed similar problems? The more people speak up, the more likely you are to be heard.

Attend school board meetings to raise awareness about facility conditions. Encourage board members to budget for proper maintenance budgets and moisture control measures.

 

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