5.10 Healthy Living Environment: Mold & Mildew

Ticket Support: Submit a FixIt Ticket

Quick Facts: Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew are naturally present indoors and outdoors. Spores are microscopic and naturally present in the air. When they settle on damp surfaces, they can begin to grow. While it’s not practical to eliminate all indoor spores, controlling moisture is the most effective way to prevent growth. For more information about where mold/mildew is found, visit: United States Environmental Protection Agency

Damp environments can sometimes support mold and mildew growth, which may affect individuals in different ways. For more information about possible health considerations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers helpful resources.

In most cases, if there is visible mold and mildew growth, mold sampling and testing is unnecessary. Visible growth should be removed and the moisture source corrected. For more information about mold testing, visit the Centers for Disease Control or United States Environmental Protection Agency

Frequently Asked Questions: Mold & Mildew

Mold/mildew and fungi are naturally occurring and found indoors and outdoors. They can grow virtually on any organic material - like wood, paper, carpet, building materials and food - when moisture and oxygen are present. Residence halls see fluctuations in humidity and temperature and have high occupancy, which can make moisture control more challenging.

To learn more about mold/mildew visit the EPA website on Mold

Yes. Because spores are everywhere, small amounts can appear—especially on damp surfaces (e.g., near windows where condensation occurs). Routine cleaning, moisture control, and unobstructed air flow is essential in reducing mold and mildew growth. However, it is not possible to fully remove mold/mildew spores from the environment.

To learn more about mold/mildew and how it can be reduced visit the EPA website on Mold

Mold/mildew is common in both indoor and outdoor environments, and exposure affects individuals differently. Many people have no symptoms. However, some individuals may experience mild, short-term symptoms like allergies, such as nasal congestion, throat or eye irritation, coughing, or skin irritation.

People with asthma, mold allergies, or underlying lung or immune conditions may have more significant reactions, including worsening asthma symptoms or respiratory issues.

If you have concerns about symptoms that may be related to mold exposure or concerns about your overall health, we recommend consulting a healthcare provider. To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider on campus, visit the Pat Walker Health Center .

A Note on Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies in NWA can feel more intense compared to other parts of the country. This can be largely due to the area’s dense vegetation, including high concentration of trees, grasses, and weeds which can lead to pollen release throughout much of the year. Additionally, the local climate characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent weather changes can increase mold/mildew growth and keep pollen levels elevated. All these factors could lead to more persistent or severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes even in individuals who may not typically experience allergies elsewhere.

If you have further questions or suspect you may be experiencing seasonal allergies, you may consider consulting a healthcare provider. To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider on campus, visit the Pat Walker Health Center.

The University of Arkansas addresses these concerns in the following ways:

  • Routine inspections and maintenance: Residence Hall rooms and HVAC systems are inspected by Housing Facilities Staff multiple times per year to optimize performance and enhance the student experience.
  • Moisture source control: Facilities staff investigate leaks, condensation, HVAC imbalances, and building moisture to correct source causes.
  • Visible growth remediation: Staff clean affected, nonporous surfaces and remove/replace materials as appropriate, then reinspect.
  • 24/7 reporting: Students can submit a maintenance request on the FixIt system 24/7. Housing Facilities Staff will respond to all reports to investigate and follow up within 1-2 business days of a ticket being submitted.

What You Can Do to Prevent Mold/Mildew (Student Checklist)

Climate & Airflow

  • Keep thermostats on and fans running. Avoid turning the unit off/on repeatedly.
  • Run a fan to circulate the air. Regularly open window blinds and/or curtains to allow for air to circulate around the window.
  • Don’t block air vents. Comforters, bed skirts, curtains, and furniture in front of the unit can cause moisture to accumulate on the item, which can lead to mold/mildew growth.
  • Don’t overpack closets—allow airflow.
  • Use exhaust fans during/after showers (10–15 minutes). If your exhaust fan isn’t working, please submit a FixIt ticket.
  • Prevent standing water in showers or other surfaces. If you repeatedly have standing water, put in a Fix It ticket to address the problem.

Moisture Control

  • Report any water issue immediately - leaks, dripping faucets, wet carpet, ceiling stains - by submitting a Fix It Ticket.
  • Wipe condensation on windows/frames daily if present.
  • Keep windows closed in humid conditions to prevent outdoor moisture from entering or open briefly for fresh air if appropriate for the climate/season.
  • Avoid adding humidity. Limit plants, fish tanks, humidifiers, and diffusers in small spaces.
  • Dry any wet or damp laundry completely before bringing it into the room. Don’t hang damp items where air can’t circulate (e.g., between a mattress and a bed frame).

Cleaning & Housekeeping

  • Clean bathrooms weekly: scrub showers/sinks/floors and treat with bathroom disinfectant; clean shower liners to reduce soap scum (a mold/mildew food source).
    • Includes: Adohi, Clark, Gatewood, Harding, Maple Hill East, Maple Hill South, Maple Hill West, Morgan, Walton, Duncan Apartments, and off-campus apartments.
  • Keep rooms tidy: wipe counters and vacuum floors to reduce dust; clean spills quickly; empty trash regularly; store food in airtight containers.
  • Be mindful of laundry/damp clothing: remove wicker baskets or damp organic containers that hold moisture; avoid piling damp clothing.

When To Submit a Maintenance Request

Students should submit a maintenance request if they:

  • see visible growth;
  • smell persistent, musty odors
  • notice leaks, wet carpets, standing water in the shower, window condensation that persists
  • notice HVAC issues, such as unusual indoor conditions, leaking, or lack of air flow.

Submit FixIt Ticket

Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance Requests

Students are responsible for submitting requests directly to the FixIt Ticket portal to streamline tracking and follow-up. By submitting a maintenance request through the FixIt portal, the student is granting our housing maintenance staff permission to access their room to address reported concerns.

Step 1: Our housing maintenance and/or Environmental Health and Safety staff will review and analyze the reported issue.

Step 2: If mold or mildew is found, it will be mitigated using approved methods by trained Housing Facilities Staff.

Step 3: If any further action is required for your room once cleaning has been done, the housing staff will communicate with the affected residents about next steps if needed.

  • Encourage your student to submit the work order themselves as it speeds up verification and follow-up. Students must be the ones to submit a FixIt Ticket as their submission of the ticket grants the housing maintenance staff permission to enter the room to address the documented concern.
  • Remind students to report every sign of moisture early. Small leaks become big problems if ignored.
  • If your student has health concerns, we recommend contacting Pat Walker Health Center or their healthcare provider for guidance.
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