Washington University in St. Louis faculty, staff, students and visitors should have a clean, healthy environment in which to work, study, live and perform various activities. Poor air quality can affect a person’s comfort, health, and productivity. EH&S, along with Facilities Services, work together to ensure the indoor air quality meets optimal standards set by Ashrea, CDC, EPA and industry best practices.

The purpose of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program is to provide and maintain healthy and comfortable environments. A key part of the program is responding to and resolving concerns of building occupants about problems in their work environment. EH&S or Facilities generally will respond to and evaluate IAQ concerns. First, we determine if the issue is an emergency and, if so, take immediate action to protect the occupants.

Please contact Residential Life if you have any concerns regarding mold/mildew in your room.

WashU Environmental Health and Safety – Indoor Air Quality

Washington University (WashU) is committed to achieving excellence in providing a healthy and safe campus and supporting environmentally sound practices in the conduct of university activities. It is WashU policy to comply with all applicable environmental health and safety laws, regulations, and requirements.

WashU implements best management practices and initiatives to systematically integrate environmental, health, and safety considerations into all activities.

  • Do not open windows while heating or cooling units are operating. This will cause condensation and may contribute to mold growth.
  • Do not leave wet or damp clothes, towels or shoes in closets.
  • Do not placed potted plants or any other source of moisture on or around heating and cooling units.
  • Do not block the airflow from your heating or cooling unit.

To help prevent mold and mildew growth:

  • Maintain a reasonable room temperature year round (70 – 76 degrees)
    Do not place heat generating appliances such as microwaves or refrigerators directly underneath the room thermostat.
  • Maintain a reasonable room temperature year round (70 – 76 degrees)
  • Do not place heat generating appliances such as microwaves or refrigerators directly underneath the room thermostat.
  • Maintain good housekeeping practices and clean your room, bed linens, clothing and towels on a regular basis.