By Cecile Felsher, Contributing Writer

Mold growth in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is a serious concern for patient health and for the structural integrity and operation of the facility. Hospitals house some of the most vulnerable individuals — patients with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses and those recovering from surgeries—who are especially susceptible to the dangers of mold exposure.

Mold spores, which are naturally present in the air, can become harmful when they find damp, nutrient-rich surfaces to grow on. In hospital settings, where plumbing and HVAC systems and high-humidity areas are common, mold can thrive if moisture is not carefully controlled. 

The presence of mold in hospitals poses significant risks in terms of health and financial costs. For patients, exposure to mold can result in respiratory problems, infections and allergic reactions, which can be especially severe in those with preexisting conditions.

Economically, the cost of remediating mold and repairing water-damaged materials can be substantial, often requiring sections of the facility to be closed temporarily for cleaning and repairs. Mold problems also can damage a hospital's reputation, potentially leading to legal action if patients or staff are affected.

Given these risks, healthcare facilities managers must adopt a proactive approach to detecting and addressing mold growth. Mold is not just an issue of appearance. It is a health hazard that can quickly escalate if left unchecked. Understanding how to detect mold early, assess the risks it poses and implement effective mitigation strategies is essential to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

Detecting mold

Detecting mold in hospitals requires a thorough and consistent inspection process. Mold is present in the air in trace amounts but becomes a threat when it finds a moist, organic material — drywall, wood, or insulation — on which to grow. Because hospitals contain many such materials, the potential for hidden mold is significant. Mold can develop in areas that are not frequently inspected, including behind walls, in ductwork, above ceilings and underneath floor coverings.

Routine visual inspections of areas prone to moisture are essential in detecting early signs of mold. Managers should focus on places where water intrusion is likely, such as around plumbing fixtures, in HVAC systems and in areas with high humidity, like kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. 

Signs of mold include discoloration, musty odors and visible water damage on surfaces. But mold often grows undetected until it becomes widespread or until health symptoms — respiratory issues, allergies or infections appear in occupants.

Relying solely on air sampling for mold detection is not always sufficient in assessing the full extent of a problem. Counts of airborne mold spores can vary significantly depending on weather conditions and air movement, and they do not always provide a complete picture of hidden mold growth in the building.

So it is crucial to combine air sampling with more comprehensive methods, such as moisture-content measurement, surface sampling and infrared imaging to identify moisture problems in walls, ceilings or floors where mold is likely to grow.

Hospital staff also must be trained to recognize the signs of mold and promptly report suspicious odors or visible water damage. Mold often remains hidden in areas such as ceiling cavities and behind drywall, making it crucial that staff remain vigilant in identifying potential problems.

Assessing the risks

The risks associated with mold in hospitals are uniquely severe due to the vulnerability of the patient population. Hospitals house patients with weakened immune systems. These individuals are at an elevated risk of developing infections from exposure to mold spores. 

Certain molds, such as Aspergillus, are particularly dangerous in healthcare settings because they can cause invasive aspergillosis, a serious, potentially fatal infection, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Related: How to Prevent Mold Growth in Facilities

Respiratory issues are a common consequence of mold exposure, particularly in individuals with asthma, allergies and pre-existing lung conditions. Mold spores can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions and other respiratory problems, which can be exacerbated in hospitals where patients already are weakened. Symptoms of mold exposure range from nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing to shortness of breath, fever and lung infections, depending on the type and amount of mold present and the individual's health status.

The economic risks of mold in hospitals also are substantial. Mold remediation and the repair of water-damaged building materials can potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the longer mold is allowed to grow undetected, the more extensive the remediation effort, and the more costly the process of restoring the affected areas. In some cases, managers might need to temporarily close sections of the building to conduct proper mold removal, resulting in lost revenue and disrupted patient care.

Mold exposure in hospitals also can lead to legal and reputation-related risks. Patients or staff who experience health complications due to mold exposure might pursue legal action, and public awareness of mold issues in a healthcare facility can damage its reputation. Hospitals are expected to maintain environments that are safe and sterile, and failure to do so can undermine trust in the institution's ability to provide safe care.

Mitigating growth

Mitigating the dangers of mold in hospitals requires a proactive, multi-pronged approach that addresses immediate remediation and long-term prevention efforts. Controlling moisture is the most critical factor in preventing mold growth. Mold cannot grow without moisture, so identifying and addressing sources of water intrusion is the first step in reducing the risk of mold growth.

When water damage is detected, it is imperative to dry affected areas within 48 hours to prevent mold spores from taking root. This process involves repairing leaks, improving drainage and using dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels. In cases where flooding or major water damage occurs, it might be necessary to remove water-damaged building materials, which can serve as food sources for mold.

Regular maintenance of plumbing and HVAC systems is crucial for preventing moisture buildup. HVAC systems, in particular, are prone to condensation, and when combined with dust and organic materials in ductwork, they create ideal conditions for mold growth. Managers should ensure that HVAC systems are properly maintained and that signs of condensation or mold within the system are addressed immediately.

Consulting with an industrial hygienist is highly recommended when mold is suspected or confirmed. A hygienist can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source of moisture, assess the extent of the mold contamination and provide recommendations for remediation.

Mold remediation should always be performed by qualified professionals who follow industry best practices to ensure mold is effectively removed without contaminating other areas. This process often involves establishing negative-pressure containment zones, using HEPA filtration systems and following proper disposal protocols for mold-infested materials.

Besides addressing active mold problems, facility managers must implement long-term prevention strategies to reduce the risk of mold growth. This process includes routine inspections of high-risk areas, such as restrooms, kitchens and mechanical rooms, to detect signs of water damage and mold early. Preventive maintenance programs for plumbing and HVAC systems also can reduce the likelihood of leaks or condensation problems that could lead to mold growth.

Hospital staff also should receive training on mold awareness and prevention. Staff members who work in moisture-prone areas, such as housekeeping, maintenance and food service, should be trained to identify early signs of mold and report potential issues. By fostering a culture of vigilance and prompt response, managers can ensure that mold problems are detected and addressed before they become significant risks.

Mold growth in hospitals represents a serious threat to patient safety and the operational efficiency of the facility. Early detection, risk assessment and prompt mitigation are essential to protecting vulnerable patients from the health complications associated with mold exposure and preventing costly damage to the building. Routine inspections, moisture control and prompt response to water intrusion are critical components of comprehensive mold prevention.

By involving qualified professionals, such as industrial hygienists, and adhering to industry standards for mold remediation, managers can effectively eliminate mold problems and reduce the risk of recurrence. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe, healthy environment where patients and staff are protected from the dangers of mold. By taking a proactive approach to mold detection and mitigation, managers can safeguard facilities, reduce healthcare-associated infections and uphold their commitment to providing high-quality, safe patient care.

Cecile Felsher is vice president of the environmental health and safety and air compliance group and a principal at NV5, a consulting engineering firm.