Mold Policy

Policy Statement

It is the policy of George Washington University to recognize, evaluate, and control the risk of exposure to mold and mold spores in university buildings. Members of the university community who observe or suspect the presence of mold in university buildings should immediately contact Environmental Health & Safety. 

Reason for Policy 

The purpose of this policy is to inform the university community of the various causes and characteristics of mold growth, as well as the university’s procedures for its safe and proper management. 

Who is Governed by this Policy

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty

Policy

Fungi are present almost everywhere in indoor and outdoor environments. With high levels of humidity in the District of Columbia, university buildings are susceptible to mold growth, especially unprotected, older, and less watertight buildings. Mold has the potential to grow where there are sources of water, food, and physical space. Among other places, mold is usually found on drywall, insulation, and carpeting. Certain types of mold can produce toxins, which can cause allergic reactions and produce flu-like symptoms. 

Any university member who discovers mold on any building component, furnishing, or surface within a university building should immediately contact Environmental Health & Safety. The university’s Mold Management Program available from Environmental Health & Safety has developed procedures for the identification and removal of any visible and potentially hazardous mold. Any university member who discovers mold in an off-campus rented facility that does not belong to the university may contact Environmental Health & Safety for an initial survey of the space. If the survey reveals the presence of mold or the space supports the potential for mold growth, then Environmental Health & Safety will make a recommendation to the property management company for the non-university rented facility.

Environmental Health & Safety provides technical assistance in the evaluation and mitigation of mold. Environmental Health & Safety assists in the development of a campus mold abatement strategy, which includes determining abatement priorities; writing abatement contracts; supervising abatement contractors; monitoring environmental and occupational mold levels before, during, and after abatement; collecting and disposing of waste; and complying with applicable regulations. 

Removal procedures will vary depending on the location and extent of visible mold contamination. In general, small areas of mold contamination can be cleaned and removed by trained in-house personnel. Larger areas contaminated with mold may require trained hazardous material abatement professionals.

This policy promotes the procedures set forth by the mold management program available from the Division of Safety and Operations. 

Related Information

• Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Resources 
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Bulletin, Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace 
• OSHA: Molds and Fungi 

Contacts