Mold
Mold
Mold is a natural part of the environment and mold spores are present everywhere—indoors and outdoors. Mold becomes a concern primarily when moisture is present for a prolonged time, which allows spores to grow on indoor surfaces. Most NDSU campus spaces do not support mold growth unless there is a moisture source.
Students, employees, and campus visitors may occasionally notice discoloration, odors, or dampness and report concerns. The NDSU Safety Office takes all reports seriously and follows a consistent investigation process to ensure safe, healthy spaces across campus.
This page explains:
- What mold is and how it grows;
- How to recognize potential mold or moisture issues;
- Steps to help prevent mold;
- NDSU’s investigation and response process; and
- When and how to report a concern.
Additional guidance is available in the NDSU Mold Awareness and Prevention Guide.
Report a Mold Concern
Report Mold Concern Or, contact the Safety Office at ndsu.iaq@ndsu.edu or (701) 231-7759
Mold Awareness & Prevention at NDSU
Mold at NDSU – Key Takeaways:
- Mold needs moisture to grow. Fixing moisture concerns solves the mold problem!
- Everyone should report water leaks and mold concerns early.
- NDSU Safety Office investigates mold concerns on campus.
- Air testing is rarely recommended.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in areas where moisture is present.
Key facts:
- Microscopic spores are always in the air—indoors and outdoors.
- Mold needs moisture, a food source, and time to grow.
- Food sources include drywall, wood, carpets, dust, paper, and organic materials.
- Mold is usually visible on surfaces if there is a mold concern.
- Mold comes in many colors (black, green, white, brown, gray). Color alone does not indicate toxicity.
Mold growth most often appears in warm, humid, or wet indoor areas, including bathrooms, basements, and surfaces with condensation or water damage.
How does mold affect people?
Most people experience mild or no symptoms from incidental mold exposure. Some individuals are more sensitive to mold and may experience short-term reactions when exposed to it. Because symptoms of mold exposure often resemble those of other conditions—like colds or seasonal allergies—it can be difficult to tell the difference. If you have any health concerns, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider.
Some individuals may be more sensitive and experience:
- Nasal or sinus congestion
- Throat irritation
- Coughing or wheezing
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
How Do I Recognize Possible Mold?
Mold needs three basic conditions to develop: moisture, a surface to grow on, and time to grow. Controlling moisture is the most effective way to eliminate mold.
Common signs of mold or moisture problems include:
- Visible spots, patches, or streaks on walls, ceilings, floors, window sills, or furniture
- Musty, earthy, or “old basement” odors
- Water stains, bubbling paint, peeling drywall
- Excessive condensation on windows or cold surfaces
- Persistent dampness or humidity
- Evidence of active or past leaks
If any of these conditions are present, report the concern to the NDSU Safety Office. Sometimes stains, dust, or residue are mistaken for mold. NDSU investigates each concern to determine whether mold is actually present.
How to Help Prevent Mold
NDSU emphasizes moisture control as the most effective prevention strategy.
To reduce mold risk:
Keep areas clean and dry
- Hang up wet towels or clothing.
- Wipe spills promptly.
- Do not leave damp materials piled or closed inside closets.
- Remove trash regularly, especially food waste
Promote good ventilation
- Use bathroom exhaust fans when showering or bathing.
- Don’t block vents with furniture or boxes.
- Allow air circulation around exterior walls.
Avoid moisture buildup
- Report all leaks immediately (plumbing, window, roof, HVAC).
- Address condensation issues early.
- Avoid storing items directly on floors in damp areas.
Control humidity
- Try to maintain indoor humidity between 30 and 50%.
- Allow airflow around moisture-generating appliances.
What to Do If You Suspect Mold
- Complete the Mold Concern Form — provide as much detail as possible.
- Students and employees should not attempt to clean or disturb suspected mold growth themselves.
- If you are in a residence hall or campus housing, contact Residence Life and inform them of your concern.
- If you are an employee, notify your supervisor of the concern.
If the issue is urgent (active leaks, flooding, standing water, very strong odors, visible growth), please also notify Residence Life, the Safety Office, or Facilities Management immediately.
How NDSU Investigates Mold Concerns
When the Safety Office receives a Mold Concern, we conduct a mold investigation that involves:
- Initial Assessment — we check for visible mold, stains, leaks, humidity, odors, and ventilation issues.
- Moisture & Humidity Measurements — inspect walls, ceilings, and surfaces with moisture meters, and record relative humidity and airflow.
- Air Quality Monitoring (if needed) — we may deploy continuous monitors or other instruments to examine conditions over time.
- Identify Source — Determine and correct the moisture source.
- Evaluation & Follow-up — if a problem is found, we work with Facilities Management/Residence Life to remediate; if conditions are normal, we document and close the case.
- Communication — the resident is informed of findings and any recommended actions.
Because there are no federal standards or regulatory “safe mold levels”, the investigation focuses on moisture, visible mold, and environmental conditions rather than spore counts or lab sampling.
Why Mold Testing is usually NOT Recommended
Mold Testing captures all types of molds in the environment, including normal, harmless spores that exist in all indoor and outdoor air. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency do not recommend air sampling for mold.
At-home mold test kits are fraught with limitations and often lead to unnecessary concern. These kits typically collect and encourage whatever mold spores happen to settle from the air to grow—spores that are naturally present in all indoor and outdoor environments. They also lack necessary reference controls, consistent sampling protocols, and lab analysis. Because there are no established “safe” or “unsafe” indoor mold spore levels, a positive result does not indicate a mold problem or a health risk. Without evaluating moisture conditions, visible growth elsewhere, or building history, these tests can be misleading and are not a reliable way to assess indoor mold concerns.
The best approach is to monitor moisture conditions, visible signs, odors, and overall indoor environment—that’s what the Safety Office uses when evaluating a concern. Testing may be recommended if there is no visible mold but indicators that suggest hidden mold growth (humidity, moisture, or odors).
What happens If Mold is Found on Campus?
If mold is confirmed:
- Moisture source is identified and repaired.
- Affected areas are cleaned using appropriate methods (cleaning agents, HEPA filtration, drying equipment).
- Damaged material may be removed (drywall, carpet, insulation).
- Fans / dehumidifiers employed and remain in place until fully dry.
- Follow-up inspection to ensure the space is safe before returning
Roles and Responsibilities:
NDSU Students & Employees
- Keep areas clean and dry.
- Report leaks or mold concerns promptly.
- Follow recommendations provided by Residence Life or the Safety Office.
Residence Life & Facilities Management
- Respond to leaks, water intrusion, and moisture issues.
- Clean and remediate mold-affected areas.
- Coordinate contractor involvement when needed.
NDSU Safety Office
- Manage mold concern evaluations.
- Conduct initial and follow-up investigations.
- Provide education and communication to building occupants.
- Coordinate with Facilities Management on corrective actions.