Resources About Mold

Molds are a type of fungi that can be found virtually everywhere in the environment – both indoors and outdoors. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in indoor locations, but it can be controlled. The term “mold” encompasses thousands of species. Mold can be black, brown, green, orange, white or red, and it can have a fuzzy/powdery appearance or be slimy or velvety-looking.

Outdoors, mold plays an essential role in breaking down fallen leaves, dead trees and other organic debris. Indoors, it can be an allergen or irritant for people with sensitivities and should be removed.

Mold spreads through tiny spores that are invisible to the eye and continually floating outside in nature. Once tracked inside by our daily movements, spores can grow in damp conditions.

Mildew is one of the familiar types of household mold.

Unless you are allergic to mold, it is very unlikely to cause physical symptoms. Those who are sensitive may experience mild allergic reactions such as nasal congestion, a sore or scratchy throat, coughing, or irritation of the eyes and skin. Asthma sufferers or immune-compromised people could experience lung infections.

It is not uncommon for students to feel sick with upper-respiratory symptoms shortly after they arrive on campus or return from break, or at times during the school semester. That’s because students live in close quarters with each other, attend more social events, experience increased stress because of academic and social pressures, or get too busy to eat right, stay hydrated or obtain enough sleep. Some common illnesses found on college campuses are colds, flu, COVID or mononucleosis.

In addition, our location in Virginia is known for high pollen counts, especially in spring and fall. The many trees, flowers and grasses that make our region so beautiful can also create allergic reactions in students, especially those who move here from locations with fewer or different types of allergens. Allergies can mimic respiratory infections with symptoms such as sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, frequent throat clearing, irritated eyes, coughing, wheezing, headaches or fatigue.

If you feel sick, it is important to visit the Student Health & Counseling Center for evaluation to determine what might be causing symptoms.

Out of thousands of work order requests filed each year, only a small number report concerns about mold. The most common reports stem from small instances of mildew in showers and window air conditioning units. In some cases, remediation includes counseling residents on best practices such as not obstructing A/C unit airflow with furniture.

Not all reports are found to be mold once assessed. Dust, rust and other materials are sometimes mistaken for mold growth.

The possibility of mold in large residential settings is a common consideration that our staff monitors vigilantly and responds to swiftly. No systemic issues with mold conditions have been found on our campus.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency report that visual scans for mold are more useful than air tests. That’s because mold spores are ubiquitous in both inside and outside environments. According to the EPA, “In 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.”

The EPA advises that mold testing “should be conducted only by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.”

In the rare occasions when Roanoke College decides it is necessary to conduct a mold test, it contracts with an EPA-accredited environmental services company. Those tests have never revealed the presence of toxic mold on campus. In addition, tests have found that indoor mold spore levels were lower than the levels found in the air outside. If students suspect the presence of mold, their best course of action is to immediately report it to Building and Grounds.

The key to curbing mold is to curb moisture buildup. Mold spores on their own are omnipresent in the environment and can never be completely eliminated from indoor settings, according to experts.

But spores need moisture to grow. The Virginia Department of Health advises: “There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment, but you can prevent excessive mold growth by controlling moisture in your home.” 

Here are a few strategies that can help avoid mold growth indoors:  

• Report leaks or other water problems immediately so repairs can be made.
• Don’t block airflow around A/C units or vents with furniture, clothing, plants or other obstructions. Keep vents open to facilitate airflow. Stagnant air can contribute to moisture buildup.
• Don’t put wet clothes/towels in your hamper, closet or other enclosed space. Don’t hang wet items to dry between your bed frame and mattress as it can promote mold growth on the mattress.
• Practice good housekeeping. That includes wiping down wet countertops, quickly cleaning and drying spills (including spills on flooring and rugs), regularly emptying trash/recycling, and routinely cleaning bathrooms in dorms with private baths.  
• If your bathroom includes an exhaust fan, turn it on before showering and keep it on an extra 15-20 minutes afterward. Draw your shower curtain closed to help it dry.
• Keep windows closed when air conditioning or heating is in use. This helps manage indoor humidity levels that can promote mold growth.  

Mold should be reported immediately so it can be addressed by Buildings and Grounds. Reports are simple and easy to file online using your Roanoke College email address. Detailed information and photos, when available, are helpful. Not sure if something is mold? File a report so our trained staff can assess it. 

Note: It is students’ responsibility to keep their room refrigerators clean and dry. It is also students’ responsibility to clean any bathroom that is not considered a common bathroom. In other words, if your bathroom is behind the locked door of your room, it is your responsibility to keep it clean.

Every single report filed through the college's system is tracked and acted on by Buildings and Grounds. Trained personnel inspect the site, fix the source of moisture and thoroughly clean. In many instances, mold can be removed from hard surfaces with a disinfecting solution.  

Mold reports are deemed high priorities and receive swift response. 

On multiple occasions, Roanoke College has also hired professional, independent environmental contractors to test for mold in areas where concerns were raised.

Those tests have never revealed the presence of toxic mold on campus. In addition, tests have found that indoor mold spore levels were lower than the levels found in the air outside.

Environmental Protection Agency Mold Overview

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mold Overview 

Testing and Remediation 

Roanoke College Building & Grounds Mold Report Form 

Roanoke College Student Health & Counseling Connect with health services