Mold

Some people are affected by the presence of mold while others can live in places with a large amount of mold and not experience any symptoms. Allergic reaction is the most commonly reported health effect of mold exposure. If you cough, wheeze, or have difficulty breathing around mold, you may be sensitive to certain molds. If continuously exposed to mold, some people may develop symptoms such as watery, itchy, burning or red eyes; nose or throat irritation; sneezing; coughing or wheezing; constant headaches; memory problems or mood changes; aches and pains; and in some cases, hives, welts, or skin rash. Mold spores cannot be seen but can be inhaled, which can cause irritation or infection in the lungs and make it harder to breathe. Those who are more likely than others to develop symptoms from mold exposure include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with asthma or other respiratory diseases.  People with suppressed immune systems (e.g. HIV/AIDs infection, organ transplant patients, chemotherapy patients) should avoid heavy mold infestations. If possible, susceptible individuals should not live in buildings where mold is growing, and should consult their family physician if symptoms develop or persist.

One species of mold (Stachbotrys chartarum), known as black mold, may cause more serious health effects to people who are sensitive to mold.  For more information, you can view Facts About Stachybotrys chartarum | Mold | CDC.

Beginning July 1, 2021, local school boards are required to develop and implement a plan to test and, if necessary, a plan to remediate mold in public school buildings in accordance with guidance issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information is available here.

Schools are required to address mold in schools in accordance with EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide.

If you live in an apartment and you feel that your landlord/property manager has not promptly addressed your concerns, please contact the Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section. The Office of Consumer Protection provides information to individuals on matters related to landlord-tenant issues, and can be reached at either 804-786-2042 or 1-800-552-9963.  Additionally, the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Sections 55-248.2 through 55-248.40 of the Code of Virginia) establishes the rights and obligations of residential landlords and tenants in the Commonwealth, but only the courts can enforce those rights and obligations.  To review the Act, please click on Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

A law that went into effect in July 2024 requires contractors who do mold remediation on homes in Virginia to have certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) does not assess the credentials of, or make recommendations regarding, specific mold specialists. For more information, follow the guidelines published by the EPA:

• EPA’s Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
• EPA’s Mold, Moisture, and Your Home (en Español)

Virginia Department of Health does not regulate commercial buildings.  Any workplace concerns can be addressed to the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH).  For more information about filing a complaint, visit their website.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also has information and resources for workplace concerns at their website. For more information about remediating mold in large buildings, please refer to EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.

In case of mold in a tourist lodging such as a hotel, please contact the local health department. Contact information can be found by using the Health Department Locator.

Virginia's Consumer Protection Act requires mold remediation contractors be certified by a nationally or internationally recognized certifying body for mold remediation and comply with relevant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, see Virginia Code § 59.1-200. Prohibited practices. Unlike asbestos and lead, the EPA does not regulate mold remediation and inspection and does not provide regulatory guidance and standards. However, they do provide guidance and best practices to clean mold and prevent mold growth. For more information about mold clean-up and prevention visit the EPA's page on Mold Cleanup in Your Home.