Indoor Air Quality

Overview

The University of Kentucky is committed to maintaining safe and healthy environments for work, study, and research. As part of this commitment, the university investigates concerns and complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ) and strives to address potential air quality issues proactively.

While there are no specific federal regulations governing IAQ in the workplace, Occupational Safety & Health (OHS) follows several recognized standards and best practices when evaluating IAQ concerns. These include:

ASHRAE 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE 55 – Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
IICRC S520 – Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (American National Standards Institute / Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification)

To request an indoor air quality survey, please email OHS@uky.edu

Mold

Mold is a natural part of the environment and plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter. Mold spores are microscopic and present almost everywhere—both outdoors and indoors. While it's impossible to completely eliminate mold spores from indoor environments, they generally do not pose an issue unless they encounter moisture.

When mold spores land on damp or humid surfaces, they can begin to grow and colonize. Mold can grow on a variety of materials including wood, paper, carpet, food, insulation, ceiling tiles, painted walls, and clothing—any surface where moisture and oxygen are present.

To reduce the potential for indoor mold growth:

Keep indoor humidity between 30–60%
Promptly fix water leaks
Ensure good air circulation and housekeeping

For more information, visit the CDC’s mold resource page.

Currently, there are no federal or Kentucky state regulations that set exposure limits or standards for mold or mold spores in buildings. The CDC and other public health agencies do not provide health-based thresholds for mold in indoor air.

However, visible mold growth on indoor surfaces is considered unacceptable and should be promptly addressed through appropriate remediation efforts. Learn more about mold and testing from the EPA.

In most situations, mold testing is not necessary. Instead, the recommended approach is a thorough visual inspection combined with the identification of musty odors and signs of moisture. The primary goal should be to:

Identify moisture sources
Locate visible mold
Safely and effectively correct the problem

If visible mold or conditions promoting mold growth are found, OHS assumes a mold problem and will recommend appropriate corrective actions—no testing required.

Both the CDC and EPA advise against mold testing in the absence of specific regulatory standards or exposure guidelines.

Note: OHS does not recognize the validity of home mold test kits or settling plates. These kits are not standardized, do not provide volumetric air sampling, and are not aligned with methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) or other professional bodies.

Mold spores are always present in the environment and can be spread indoors via air currents or carried in on shoes, clothing, backpacks, and other personal items. Air circulation within buildings varies depending on HVAC systems and occupant activity, which can contribute to the dispersion of spores.

If you're considering a portable air cleaner for your living space, refer to the EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home for guidance. Dehumidifiers can also help maintain indoor humidity at recommended levels.

UK Housing

UK Housing operates a 24/7, year-round maintenance request system to ensure safe and comfortable living conditions in residence halls. Students can submit maintenance requests:

By phone: Call the FIXIT desk at 859-323-4948 and press 1

Emergency or high-priority issues are addressed as quickly as possible. All other requests are typically resolved within 24 business hours. If you submit a request, please notify your roommates so they are aware of upcoming maintenance visits.

UK Housing performs routine maintenance and inspections throughout the year to help prevent issues related to building conditions, including mold. Each residence hall and room is inspected multiple times annually.

If you suspect mold in your residence hall room, submit a maintenance request via FIXIT immediately. This alerts UK Housing staff, who will respond in accordance with the UK Housing Mold Response Guidelines.

What Happens During an Inspection?

When a report is received, UK Housing staff will:

Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the room
Look for visible signs of mold or conditions that may support mold growth (e.g., moisture, leaks, poor ventilation)

If mold is found, appropriate steps will be taken to clean, dry, and remediate the affected area. If needed, UK Housing may request an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) survey from UK Occupational Safety & Heath (OHS) to further assess conditions contributing to mold growth.

If mold is confirmed:

UK Housing staff will clean and remediate the affected area
The space will be thoroughly dried to prevent recurrence
Staff may work with residents to monitor conditions and may offer guidance on how students can assist in maintaining a dry, mold-free environment

In most cases, yes. According to federal health and safety agencies, mold is commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Minor mold growth does not typically pose a serious health risk, but prompt reporting and remediation are important.

Yes—UK Housing conducts routine inspections throughout the year. However, mold inspections of occupied spaces during the academic year are performed upon request through the FIXIT system.