The Startling Facts About Mold and Air Quality in Schools

Our children spend a significant portion of their time in schools, and a healthy learning environment is crucial for their well-being. In fact, most children spend at least 35 hours each week inside school buildings. Unfortunately, many schools struggle with indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, particularly stemming from mold growth.

Estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggest that half of these children spend their school days breathing air contaminated with toxic chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, asbestos, among other pollutants. 

What does this tell you? 

This situation underscores the urgent need for improved environmental standards and remediation efforts in educational facilities to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all children. This blog post dives deep into the connection between mold and air quality in schools, exploring its impact on students’ health and learning.

How Does Mold Affect Indoor Air Quality in Schools?

School indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for maintaining a healthy and effective learning environment. When mold grows indoors, particularly in places like classrooms, it can significantly degrade air quality. 

Mold spores and fragments can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to a range of health issues. These airborne spores can also mix with other indoor pollutants such as dust, pollen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), further degrading air quality.

Poor indoor air quality in schools caused by mold can further affect learning, especially after long-term exposure.

Here are some factors contributing to mold growth and poor indoor air quality in schools:

• Moisture: Leaky roofs, windows, and pipes are common sources of moisture that contribute to mold growth. Flooding and high humidity levels also create conducive conditions for mold.
• Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can trap moisture and create a suitable environment for mold. Schools with outdated or poorly maintained HVAC systems are particularly at risk.
• Humidity: High indoor humidity levels, often found in areas without proper dehumidification, foster mold growth. Ideal indoor humidity levels should be maintained between 30-50%.
• Organic Materials: Mold can grow on materials such as wood, paper, and fabric, which are often present in school buildings. Textbooks, paper products, and certain classroom furniture can harbor mold if they become damp.

How Does Indoor Air Quality in Schools Affect Student Learning?

Poor indoor air quality in schools affects students in the following ways:

Cognitive Function

Poor air quality can lead to decreased concentration, memory problems, and reduced problem-solving abilities. When students are exposed to mold, they may experience symptoms like headaches and fatigue. 

These health problems can hinder their ability to focus and learn effectively. Cognitive impairments linked to mold exposure can result in lower test scores and diminished academic performance.

Health-Related Absenteeism

Students exposed to mold are more likely to experience respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, leading to increased absenteeism. Frequent absences disrupt the learning process and can lead to lower academic achievement. 

Chronic absenteeism due to mold-related illnesses can also strain school resources and affect overall school performance metrics.

Psychological Impact

The stress and anxiety associated with chronic health issues from mold exposure can also negatively affect students’ mental health and academic performance. Students suffering from mold-related symptoms may experience increased irritability, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress, further impacting their ability to learn and interact positively with peers.

How Does Mold Make Kids Sick?

Mold in schools can cause a range of health issues in children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and higher rates of respiration. The health effects of mold exposure include:

Respiratory Issues

Mold spores can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Children with asthma are particularly susceptible to severe mold-related respiratory issues. Chronic exposure can lead to long-term respiratory conditions and decreased lung function.

Allergic Reactions

Black mold in schools or any other type of toxic mold can trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. These reactions can be particularly severe in children with preexisting allergies. Allergic reactions to mold can also lead to chronic sinus infections and complications with other respiratory diseases.

Toxic Effects

Certain molds produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful when inhaled. Exposure to these toxins can lead to more severe health issues, such as neurological problems and immune system suppression. Mycotoxin exposure is linked to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairments.

What Are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure in Schools?

Children exposed to mold in schools may exhibit various symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. If your child exhibits the following symptoms, their school might have a mold problem.

• Nasal Congestion: Persistent stuffy nose and sinus pressure.
• Sore Throat: Irritation and pain in the throat.
• Coughing and Wheezing: Frequent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Eye Irritation: Red, watery, and itchy eyes.
• Skin Rashes: Itchy and inflamed skin.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches and migraines.
• Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness and lethargy.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Problems with focus and attention span.

It’s important to recognize these symptoms early and address the underlying cause to prevent long-term health effects.

Can Mold Cause Learning Disabilities?

While the link between mold and learning disabilities isn’t definitively established, there could be a possible connection. Mold can have neurological effects that may impact learning and behavior. 

Neurological Effects

Mold exposure can lead to symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function. These effects can hinder a child’s ability to process information, retain knowledge, and perform well academically.

Behavioral Changes

Children exposed to mold may exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress. These behavioral changes can affect their interactions with peers and teachers, further impacting their learning experience.

Can a Child Recover from Mold Exposure?

Yes, children can recover from mold exposure, especially if the source is identified and addressed promptly. Recovery time varies depending on the severity and duration of exposure, as well as the effectiveness of remediation efforts. 

Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

Remove the Source of Mold

Effective mold remediation in schools is crucial. This involves identifying and eliminating the sources of moisture that contribute to mold growth, as well as cleaning or removing contaminated materials.

Medical Treatment

Seeking medical care to manage and treat symptoms is essential. Doctors can provide treatments such as antihistamines, decongestants, and inhalers to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, specialized treatments may be necessary to address respiratory or neurological effects.

Improve Air Quality

Ensuring a clean, mold-free environment to prevent re-exposure is critical. This involves maintaining proper ventilation, humidity control, and regular cleaning to keep the air quality safe for children.

Monitor and Follow-Up

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and environmental assessments can help ensure that the child remains healthy and that the school environment stays safe.

How to Check for Mold in a Classroom?

Identifying mold in classrooms involves several steps:

Visual Inspection

Look for visible signs of mold growth, such as discoloration on walls, ceilings, and floors. Mold often appears as black, green, or white patches. Pay attention to areas around windows, sinks, and other places where moisture is likely to accumulate.

Odor Detection

Mold has a distinct musty odor. If you notice a persistent musty smell, it could indicate mold presence. Be aware that some molds may not produce a noticeable odor, so other detection methods are necessary.

Moisture Assessment

Check for signs of moisture or water damage, such as stains, peeling paint, or condensation on windows. These are often indicators of underlying mold problems. Use moisture meters to detect hidden moisture in walls and floors.

Professional Testing

Consider hiring professionals to conduct mold testing. They can use tools such as moisture meters, air sampling devices, and surface swabs to detect mold presence and quantify spore levels. Professional assessments can provide a comprehensive understanding of mold issues and guide effective remediation efforts.

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

Effective mold remediation in schools involves several key steps to ensure mold is completely removed and prevent future growth. It’s best you leave mold removal and remediation to qualified professionals. 

Here are the key steps:

Containment

A mold removal professional will Isolate the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores during the remediation process. They will use plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to contain the area. 

Removal

The experts will then physically remove mold-contaminated materials. This may involve disposing of porous materials like carpets and drywall that cannot be adequately cleaned. Non-porous surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Cleaning

Mold remediation professionals will clean non-porous surfaces with appropriate mold removal products and disinfectants. They will use HEPA vacuum cleaners and other advanced air filtration techniques to remove mold spores from surfaces and the air.

Drying

Once they are done cleaning, the professionals will thoroughly dry the area to eliminate moisture, using dehumidifiers and increased ventilation. 

Prevention

Removing mold in schools does not mean anything if the source is not addressed. So, ensure the mold specialist addresses the root causes of moisture problems, such as fixing leaks and improving ventilation systems, to prevent future mold growth. Implement long-term moisture control measures and regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems.

Post-Remediation Testing

Ensure the mold removal company conducts post-remediation testing to ensure that all mold has been effectively removed and that the area is safe for re-occupancy. Professional testing can confirm the success of remediation efforts and provide peace of mind.

FAQs

How can you improve indoor air quality in schools?

Improving IAQ in schools involves:

• Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow by using HVAC systems and opening windows when possible.
• Humidity Control: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent mold growth.
• Regular Cleaning: Implement a routine cleaning schedule to reduce dust and mold spores.
• Air Purifiers: Use HEPA filters and air purifiers to capture airborne pollutants.

Could house plants improve indoor air quality in schools?

Houseplants can help improve IAQ by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Some plants also have air-purifying qualities that can remove toxins. However, you should not solely rely upon them to manage mold and other serious IAQ issues.

How does a child behave from mold?

Children exposed to mold may exhibit behavioral changes due to discomfort and health issues, including:

• Increased irritability
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety and stress

Can mold cause neurological problems in students?

Prolonged exposure to toxic molds that produce mycotoxins can potentially lead to neurological problems, such as:

• Headaches
• Cognitive impairments (memory loss, difficulty concentrating)
• Mood changes (depression, anxiety)
• Motor skill issues

Wrapping Up 

Mold and poor IAQ are serious issues that can impact the health and learning of students. Being aware of the risks and taking proactive measures can help you ensure a healthy and productive learning environment for your children. 

If you suspect a mold problem in your child’s school, don’t hesitate to speak to the teacher, principal, or school board. Together, we can make our schools safer and healthier places for all students to thrive. Act today for a brighter tomorrow!