Mold is more than just an eyesore, it’s a workplace hazard! Found in buildings with high humidity, water damage, or poor ventilation, mold can affect workers in any industry.
From drywall and ceiling tiles to insulation and carpeting, mold grows on damp surfaces and spreads through airborne spores. If those spores are inhaled, they can lead to a range of health problems, especially for workers exposed over time.
Why Mold Grows
Mold thrives in moist conditions. Leaky pipes, roof damage, poor drainage, condensation, and even steam from unvented appliances can create the ideal environment for mold growth. Once mold takes hold, it won’t stop until the moisture problem is fixed. It can grow behind walls, under floors, or in ceiling tiles... sometimes long before anyone sees visible signs. If a space smells musty, there’s a good chance mold is present.
Outdoor work doesn’t eliminate the risk either. Mold can be found in soil, compost, leaves, and rotting wood. Industries like landscaping, construction, agriculture, and disaster recovery often involve contact with moldy materials, making protection and hygiene critical.
How Mold Affects Health
Exposure to mold spores can trigger a range of symptoms, including:
- Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Worsening of asthma or other respiratory conditions
People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may react more strongly, but even healthy workers can develop chronic symptoms after repeated exposure. In rare cases, mold can lead to serious lung infections. If symptoms continue after leaving a mold-affected area, workers should report them and seek medical attention.
Spotting the Signs of Mold
Mold isn’t always visible. In many cases, the first signs are smell and moisture. If you notice...
- A strong musty or earthy odor
- Water stains or bubbling paint
- Damp areas near plumbing, windows, or walls
- Discoloration on surfaces (black, green, white, or brown patches)
…it could be mold. Don’t assume it’s harmless. Mold can be hiding out of sight and still affect air quality.
Mold Prevention Starts with Moisture Control
The key to stopping mold is controlling moisture. Workplaces should address leaks and spills immediately and ensure proper ventilation. Wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. Mold won’t grow on dry materials, so prevention relies on keeping surfaces dry and air flowing.
Common sources of moisture include:
- Roof, window, or plumbing leaks
- Flooding or water intrusion
- Condensation on pipes or cold surfaces
- Poorly maintained HVAC systems
- Improper drainage or landscaping around foundations
Cleaning alone isn’t enough. If the underlying moisture issue isn’t fixed, the mold will return.
Protecting Yourself from Mold Exposure
If mold is present, or suspected, follow these basic safety precautions:
- Don’t touch mold with bare hands.
- Don’t disturb mold by sweeping or ripping out materials unless trained and equipped.
- Wear the right protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a fitted respirator.
- Never eat, drink, or smoke in mold-affected areas.
- Wash thoroughly after working around mold.
- Avoid trying to cover mold with paint, it doesn’t solve the problem.
HVAC systems should be regularly inspected and cleaned to prevent mold from spreading through air ducts. Filters should be replaced on schedule, and areas like drain pans and vents should be kept dry and mold-free.
What to Do If You Find Mold
If you find or suspect mold in your work area, report it immediately. Don’t ignore it or try to cover it up. Small areas of mold on hard surfaces can sometimes be cleaned with detergent and water if you’re properly protected. But large infestations, especially in porous materials like drywall or ceiling tiles, often require professional remediation.
Disturbing mold without the right controls can release a high number of spores into the air, making the situation worse. If you’re not trained to handle mold cleanup, leave it to those who are.
There are no official OSHA standards that define how much mold is too much, but visible mold and strong odors are unacceptable in any workplace. A clean, dry, and well-maintained environment is the best defense against mold-related illness.
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