{"id":431,"date":"2024-11-07T14:14:34","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T14:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/?page_id=431"},"modified":"2024-11-11T15:51:07","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T15:51:07","slug":"mold-awareness-prevention-and-guidelines-for-reporting","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/environmental-health-safety\/mold-awareness-prevention-and-guidelines-for-reporting\/","title":{"rendered":"Mold Awareness, Prevention, and Guidelines for Reporting"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-431\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-431-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-431-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-431-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergencies, including gas smells, smoke or unusual strong odors should be reported to Public Safety &#8211; call 4911 from a campus phone or <a href=\"tel:2408954911\">(240) 895-4911<\/a> from any phone<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/facilities\/environmental-health-safety\/indoor-air-quality\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For other Indoor Air Quality issues, please select the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IAQ<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> page.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The health and safety of St. Mary\u2019s College students, faculty, staff and visitors are the most important aspects of our operations and administration. The Physical Plant, Office of Resident Life, and Environmental Health and Safety staff continually monitor and address concerns regarding mold growth across campus. Your contributions to these efforts are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molds are fungi that are found in nearly all locations \u2013 indoors and outdoors. They can grow most anywhere, as long as optimal moisture, oxygen, temperatures, and food sources exist. When we all understand how to identify, report and respond to the presence of mold and conditions conducive to mold growth, we minimize the impact that mold can have on the campus community.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"panel-431-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text\" data-index=\"1\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are accredited and industry accepted informational and guidance resources<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regarding mold.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/mold\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OSHA mold resources<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mold\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC mold resources<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA mold resources<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/mold-course-chapter-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA mold resources for environmental and public health professionals<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/niosh-guidance-preventing-occupational-respiratory-disease-exposures-caused-dampness-office\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NIOSH mold guidance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aiha.org\/public-resources\/consumer-resources\/disaster-response-resource-center\/mold-resource-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Mold Resource Center<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\/file%20library\/about\/position%20documents\/ashrae---limiting-indoor-mold-and-dampness-in-buildings.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Position Document on Limiting Mold and Dampness in Buildings<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"panel-431-0-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text\" data-index=\"2\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/presentation\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vRoatrUbsnue4oUQGKMT-5knTS0Y1aehrCRYZub6f84-k2e27P5fq0QooZaZP9cLaCWZq8emH8-UupY\/pub?start=false&amp;loop=false&amp;delayms=3000&amp;slide=id.ge06b256cfc_5_87\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mold Awareness presentation<\/a>\u00a0from University of MD College Park to increase your understanding of mold and the associated safety and health aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, the following will enable you to know how to recognize mold-related problems, and to understand the program that SMCM has for controlling these conditions. You may <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report a Concern about Mold<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you observe based on the information included below.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"panel-431-0-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"max-width: 100%; width: 100%;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSc3OPxQFJx1CSamEvbBq_i7-YZ6RpuDXw6v-HNWEIV-oNXDlQ\/viewform\">Report a Concern about Mold<i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square\" style=\"color: #e9e9e9;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-431-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-431-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-first-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>What causes mold to grow and spread?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold enters buildings through open windows and doors, heating and air conditioning systems, and when attached to clothing, shoes, and on pets. Mold is not usually a problem, unless it drops on places with excessive moisture and begins growing on surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold can grow almost anywhere, as long as optimal temperatures, moisture, oxygen, and food sources, such as organic matter are present. Mold grows best in warm, damp, humid conditions such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It reproduces through the production of tiny reproductive cells called spores. Mold spores are always present in both the indoor and outdoor environment., and can remain viable under harsh environmental conditions. Buildings provide food sources (e.g., wood, gypsum and paper) for mold to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some molds have spores that are easily disturbed and settle repeatedly with each disturbance. Other molds have sticky spores that will cling to surfaces and are dislodged by brushing against them or by other direct contact. Spores may remain able to grow for years after they are produced. In addition, whether or not the spores are alive, the allergens in and on them may remain allergenic for years.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>How can I tell if I have a mold problem?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaks. If water is trapped inside your walls or under your carpet, molds may grow there, although they can't always be seen. See if your walls or rugs have light stains or a strong musty smell.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water damage around your windows in bathrooms, kitchen areas. Moist air can change to water on these cooler surfaces and cause molds to grow there.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold on walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, or books. Appearance of materials described above or in the pictures below indicate mold presence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pictures below show how mold can appear in indoor environments:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldBehindWallpaper.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldBehindWallpaper-300x214.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldBehindWallpaper-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldBehindWallpaper.png 420w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold growing behind wallpaper<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldDueToCondensation.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-434\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldDueToCondensation-300x281.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldDueToCondensation-300x281.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/MoldDueToCondensation.png 387w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold growing as a result of condensation from room air<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/ContaminatedInsulation.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-435\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/ContaminatedInsulation-229x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"229\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/ContaminatedInsulation-229x300.png 229w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2024\/11\/ContaminatedInsulation.png 271w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 229px) 100vw, 229px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contaminated fibrous insulation inside air handler cover<\/span><\/p>\n<p><br style=\"font-weight: 400;\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Are there any state or federal regulations regarding mold?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no federal or state regulations directly governing the presence of mold or mold spores in buildings. There are also no health standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or public health departments for concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air. Professionals agree that the presence of visible mold on indoor building materials is an unacceptable condition, and should be remediated.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>What steps can I take to help prevent mold growth?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to controlling mold growth on materials in the indoor environment is moisture control. This includes maintaining moderate relative humidity levels indoors, and responding promptly to water intrusion. Prompt action is vital to prohibit mold growth. If wet or damp materials are dried within 48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases the mold will not grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some simple tips you can follow to help prevent mold growth:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep windows closed, particularly during periods of high humidity and rain. Uncontrolled moisture and environmental particulates can enter buildings through open windows.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you observe flooding or water intrusion in your building, or if your air is stagnant and\/or humid, report these conditions as soon as possible for response from building personnel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep furniture and storage containers at least 12 inches from the fan coil unit (air conditioner\/heater). When furniture is placed directly in front of the fan coil unit, it blocks the air flow into and out of the unit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep bathroom kitchen areas, showers, tubs clean.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid leaving wet materials on furniture or carpeting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>How does mold affect people?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people have no health effects from mold. People who are sensitive to mold may experience allergy-like symptoms (nasal stuffiness, eye irritation) and\/or skin irritation. Depending on a person\u2019s sensitivity, these reactions may be more or less severe. The presence of mold may also exacerbate asthma. More severe symptoms of mold exposure may include wheezing or shortness of breath. During the time of year when there is an increase in cold and flu symptoms, it can be hard to distinguish these symptoms from those caused by mold. Though there is no test for mold exposure, if you are concerned or are feeling unwell, you should consider consulting your healthcare provider or the Wellness Center<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suffer from a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), mold damage can be even more harmful to your health. Although many people experience only mild-to-moderate effects, when your immune system is already weak due to a preexisting medical condition, you may also be more susceptible to developing a stronger reaction to mold exposure. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mold-health\/about\/index.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mold\/306718-A_FS_MoldInfectionsPostHurricaneandFlood-H.pdf\">The CDC provides guidance on mold exposure risks for immunocompromised individuals.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-5\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Should air samples be obtained for mold in my area of concern?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold is present in the indoor and outdoor air and on surfaces all around us each day. It requires moisture and a food source to colonize materials. The College does not conduct air sampling for mold and instead follows federal agency guidance:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>From the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\"Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established.\" \"Generally it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growth in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk... therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal.\"<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-6\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Should I perform any sampling using home test kits?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.med.navy.mil\/Portals\/62\/Documents\/NMFA\/NMCPHC\/root\/Industrial%20Hygiene\/NMCPHC_IH_MoldFactSheet_4_Apr_2017.pdf?ver=YJeeIHx9r-ZCP1EfBxPG4A%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. Military Public Health Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has provided detailed reports recommending against the use of home mold test kits. These kits do not provide accurate data nor identify sources where microbial growth can occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petri dishes with agar encourage mold growth. This is not an accurate assessment of the likelihood of future mold growth or the presence of mold growth. Since mold is found everywhere in the indoor and outdoor environment, it is expected a Petri dish will grow mold.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-7\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>When I suspect mold growth, what should I do?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best course of action if you suspect microbial growth is to submit a work request for the Physical Plant to respond to mold concerns at <a href=\"tel:2408954287\">240-895-4287<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personnel will promptly respond to inspect the space to identify any visual growth or sources of water that should not be present. If any type of mold growth is found, it will be cleaned or removed by qualified personnel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-8\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"12\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Should I purchase my own portable air cleaner or dehumidifier?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional grade dehumidifiers have been placed in impacted buildings around campus. If you choose to use your own dehumidifier, you will need to maintain it properly. This includes regular cleaning and emptying of the reservoir. If you would like to purchase a portable air cleaner for your residence, please refer to this EPA Publication: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/guide-air-cleaners-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-9\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"13\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Is it safe for me to stay in my area that currently has mold?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to federal health and safety agencies, mold growth is commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Some people are sensitive to mold and may experience short-term reactions in the presence of mold growth. Symptoms associated with mold exposure are not unique and cannot be readily distinguished from symptoms caused by other medical conditions, such as the common cold or seasonal environmental allergies. Since some individuals may have more intense reactions, those with medical conditions or who experience symptoms should consult with a healthcare professional regarding their risk to mold exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-431-1-0-10\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>What do I do if I experience symptoms?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience symptoms that you suspect are linked to mold exposure, you should use the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSc3OPxQFJx1CSamEvbBq_i7-YZ6RpuDXw6v-HNWEIV-oNXDlQ\/viewform\">mold concern submittal<\/a> to receive consultation on the suspect mold growth in your area(s). In conjunction with this, you should also visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/wellness\/\">Wellness Center<\/a> or your doctor to determine the likelihood that what you are experiencing may be related to mold.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emergencies, including gas smells, smoke or unusual strong odors should be reported to Public Safety &#8211; call 4911 from a campus phone or (240) 895-4911 from any phone For other Indoor Air Quality issues, please select the IAQ page. The health and safety of St. Mary\u2019s College students, faculty, staff and visitors are the most<a class=\"tribe-events-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/environmental-health-safety\/mold-awareness-prevention-and-guidelines-for-reporting\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" > Find out more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":245,"featured_media":0,"parent":12,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-431","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=431"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":438,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/431\/revisions\/438"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/facilities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}