Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Currently, Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set and there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.
That being said, unabated mold growth in cold and warm rooms can lead to contamination of research materials and pose a health hazard due to inhalation of spores. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
The best way to minimize mold growth is to control moisture and reduce possible surfaces for mold growth. Cold rooms are often more humid than warm rooms, though warm rooms can be humid and encourage mold growth. Of note, paper contains cellulose, which is a food source for many types of mold. It is therefore important to reduce or eliminate all cellulose sources in the room. This includes paper signage, paper storage boxes, cardboard shipping containers, absorbent materials like paper towels and chuck pads. Other non-cellulose-based surfaces may also harbor mold, so if there is a significant mold problem, it may be necessary to disinfect all surfaces of the room.
If paper products must be stored in a cold room, place the item(s) in a closed plastic container between uses.
Cold and warm rooms are often unventilated, with no fresh air being cycled into the space. Storage of volatile flammable liquids is prohibited in cold rooms, as flammable vapors may accumulate in the sealed room.
Storage of dry ice is prohibited in cold rooms. Dry ice is solid, frozen carbon dioxide. As dry ice sublimates, it turns into carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen. In an unventilated room, this gas can build up. If enough carbon dioxide is present, a person can become unconscious and in some cases die.
Doors to cold and warm rooms should be regularly tested for function. If the cold or warm room door is difficult to open, sticks, or the opening mechanism isn’t working stop use of the cold room immediately and contact facilities for repairs. Avoid storing items near the outside of the door to ensure egress at all times.
Keep floor clean of spills and debris in cold and warm rooms. Liquid build up on the floor is a slip hazard. Some cold rooms may have low enough temperatures for ice formation, further increasing the chance for slipping. Promptly clean any spills and immediately report any leaks to facilities. Unnecessary items and debris on the floor are trip hazards and should be avoided.
Every Principal Investigator (PI) or user using a cold room is responsible for ensuring there is no mold growth on any of the user(s)' items. Label shelves, containers, and other items with the lab's name in shared spaces to establish clear ownership. Unlabeled items may be subject to being discarding during a clean-out. The following guidelines will help keep cold rooms mold-free:
All cleaning activities should be conducted in accordance with the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. Avoid the generation of aerosols. Soapy water refers to a mild detergent in water. When removing small amounts of mold growth warm soapy water should be substituted for an EPA approved biocide or fungicide used in a manner that follows the manufacturer’s instructions.