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Questions About Mold?

What is microbial growth?

 

  • Microbial growth, often called mold or mildew, is a family of fungi commonly found indoors and outdoors.
  • Microbial spores are almost everywhere and can grow on most organic materials when moisture, oxygen, and suitable temperatures are present.
  • Health effects from exposure to microbial growth vary widely and depend on an individual’s sensitivity.

 

How to help prevent microbial growth:

  • Promptly report any leaks or water intrusions in or near your area.
  • Report when Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are not working properly.
  • Keep areas that are meant to be dry as dry as possible. Dehumidifiers can be helpful to address areas with high humidity such as bath and shower rooms.
  • Do not store items in unfinished basements, especially things that can get damp.
  • Promptly and properly dispose of food waste.

 

A campus with historic buildings needs quick reporting:

  • Some Dartmouth buildings are historic—Baker Library (1928) and Webster Cottage (1780) among them. Over decades of use, normal wear can include moisture intrusions that may lead to microbial growth. Early reporting helps us act quickly and protect building integrity and occupant comfort.
  • If you see mold, water damage, or leaks on College property, report it right away.
  • In offices, workspaces, or other College spaces:
    • Report the issue to Facilities Customer Service Center ASAP at 603-646-2508.
    • Submit a work order via Planon (Dartmouth’s work order request system).
    • Facilities Operations & Management (FO&M) and/or Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) will evaluate and determine next steps.

 

In Residence Halls or other Dartmouth-owned undergraduate residences:

  • Option A: Contact Residential Operations directly (603) 646-1203
  • Option B: Email Residential Operations at Residential.Operations@Dartmouth.edu. EHS, FO&M, or Residential Operations will then evaluate and determine next steps.

 

What Dartmouth will do:

  • FO&M (and Residential Operations, when applicable) and EHS will assess the reported concerns, prioritize moisture control, and determine appropriate next steps. Addressing the source of moisture is the most effective way to prevent and resolve mold issues.

 

Why home/do it yourself (DIY) mold testing kits are not recommended:

  • You’ll almost always get “positive” results: Mold spores are everywhere, so DIY kits commonly detect spores in normal dust. A positive result doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem.
  • Results aren’t actionable: There are no health-based numerical “pass/fail” thresholds for mold in typical indoor settings, so counts from DIY kits don’t tell you what to do next.
  • Quality and interpretation issues: DIY kits often rely on basic culture plates that favor fast-growing molds and can miss others. Results can be misleading and are easy to misinterpret.
  • Risk of cross-contamination: Nonstandard procedures can contaminate samples, producing false positives or negatives.
  • They can delay the right fix: Waiting on DIY results can waste time when prompt moisture control and professional evaluation are what’s needed.
  • Not used for Dartmouth decisions: DIY kit results typically lack chain-of-custody, accreditation, and outdoor comparison. As a result, they are not used by Dartmouth to determine remediation steps.
  • Potential to spread spores: Disturbing suspected growth to sample with DIY kits can release spores and potentially make things worse. 

 

Have symptoms or questions?

  • If you are experiencing symptoms or have individual health concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
  • For general health and environmental questions, contact EHS for guidance.

 

Contacts and resources: