Student housing issues: Mold problems

Mold is a potential health hazard.

When students leave their parents’ house for the first time in their lives to live close to the campus of their choice, many are looking forward to the new experience and becoming independent.

But what if their new living conditions become unbearable?

In many cases, landlords are not liable when it comes to mold and other indoor air quality issues.

The Student Government Association at West Virginia University is asking for a bill to be passed to protect tenants facing mold in their homes.

What is mold?

Mold is a common indoor air pollutant because can easily grow on surfaces if there is enough water or humidity.

Mold spores are everywhere in the environment, and they can grow in visible spots or remain hidden behind drywall and underneath floors.

If there is a water leak or plumbing problem with standing water, mold can start growing after 24 -48 hours, experts say.

Health effects of mold

Mold exposure can lead to sneezing
and respiratory irritation.

Exposure to mold can make some people sick. Health effects can include sneezing, watery eyes, eye, nose and throat irritation, aggravated asthma and allergies, and more.

At West Virginia University, many students have become sick from mold and were forced to move out. However, they are still required to pay rent because landlords are not being liable.

The student association wants both parties to be able to work together to fix the problems in a timely manner and avoid health issues.

Source: The Daily Athenaeum 

How to remove mold and other indoor air pollutants

Mold needs to be removed once it is detected, but disturbing the mold will cause mold spores to become airborne, so it has to be done properly and with the right materials.

• Fix the problem. If you just get rid of the mold, but the water/humidity problem is still there, the mold will just grow back.
    
• Control humidity. Make sure the space is well ventilated, use a dehumidifier if needed and take steps to keep humidity levels at 30-50%.
    
• Remove the mold. If there is not too much mold, you can remove it yourself. Refer to the EPA’s mold removal instructions and make sure you use masks and other protective equipment.
   
• Use an air purifier. An air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA plus optional UV can help remove a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including mold, chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses and dust.

AllerAir offers portable air purifiers for mold, allergy and asthma as well as odor and chemical control, among other specializations.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Video: Indoor air problems in schools

The state of Indiana has taken steps to improve the indoor air quality in its schools, after reports found high levels of pollutants that affected students, teachers and other staff members.

Watch the video (after a short commercial):



Indoor air problems in schools include mold, pesticides, carbon dioxide, bacteria, allergens and chemicals.

The problems are often linked to poor air circulation, water damage, old buildings and tight budgets for repairs or improvements.

AllerAir has designed cost-effective, portable air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA as well as UV (optional) that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

AllerAir's industrial division Electrocorp has also engineered highly efficient air cleaners for schools and universities.

Contact AllerAir for more information and recommendations.

Related posts:

• Back to School means allergy and asthma flareups, experts say
• Toxic cleaning chemicals: Reducing chemical exposures at school
• Air pollution linked to poorer student health, academic performance
    

The Dorm Dilemma: The Top 10 Solutions to Clean Dorm Air

They’re finally off to college, and you’ve got them settled into the dorm—- perhaps their very first home-away-from-home. The cleanliness of the dormitory is probably not up to your standards, but did you know that dorm rooms are also notorious sources of mold, allergens and airborne chemicals? What many students and their families don’t realize is that the result can be much more serious than a case of the sniffles.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that poor indoor air quality can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. Airborne menaces can also seriously compromise a student’s health -- especially if the student already suffers from allergies or asthma.

Old buildings, poor air circulation, dirty carpets, used mattresses and uncontrolled humidity all contribute to the terrible air quality found in most dorms, not to mention the general apathy on the part of many students towards keeping their rooms clean and allergen-free.

The Top 10 Solutions to Clean Dorm Air
Students and their parents need to take a proactive approach to clearing the air. Here are a few strategies to consider when moving into a dorm:

10. Request a Smoke-free RoomThis is a must for those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions. A letter from a physician to the school may also help your chances of landing a “clean” room.

9. Cover the Mattress
A mattress protector that completely encases the mattress will offer protection from the 100,000 to 10 million dust mites living inside it…not to mention their fecal droppings.

8. Vacuum the Carpet Often
A tough sell for many students, but necessary to keep allergens at bay. There are several compact models now available with HEPA filters for maximum protection.

7. Avoid Air Fresheners and Chemical Cleaning Products
When chemical products and artificial scents are used in small, poorly ventilated spaces there is a high probability that people in those spaces will inhale those chemicals. Chemical exposure, even at low levels, can trigger allergies and asthma attacks and may lead to long-term health problems.

6. Green Plants
A cheap and simple solution is to fill your dorm room with green plants that help to absorb your home-away-from-home’s off gassing.

5. Fresh Air
Open the windows as much as possible, if even just for a few minutes in winter.

4. Use a Dehumidifier
Moist conditions favor mold growth. Try using a dehumidifier, especially in warmer climates.

3. No Shoes Inside!
Don't wear shoes in your dorm room. They can drag in a lot of nasty airborne particles from the street.

2. Don’t Overheat
High temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. If you can control the temperature in the dorm, don’t overheat—put on a sweater!

1. Choose the RIGHT Air Purifier
When you consider the amount of allergens, airborne toxins and odors likely to be lingering in the air, an air purifier is an absolute must for any dorm room. The key is choosing the right air purifier. Make sure to select a unit that has both a medical-grade HEPA filter for particles, and a separate activated carbon filter for chemicals, mold mycotoxins and odors. A HEPA alone can’t remove chemicals and odors-–it’s designed only for particles.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir say following some of these guidelines, plus incorporating a HEPA & granular carbon air purifier will make an incredible improvement to the indoor air quality in your child’s dorm room.