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Environmental Concerns
Asbestos Advisory
This advisory is to alert building occupants under the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules that building components may be made of asbestos containing materials (ACM) or presumed asbestos containing materials (PACM). The university has inspected and tested materials throughout the university buildings in an effort to identify all locations of ACM and PACM. Where ACM or PACM has been located, it was either removed or has been enclosed or encapsulated so as not to pose a hazard to your health. Asbestos containing materials is not a threat unless asbestos fibers become airborne due to aging, deterioration or because of damage as a result of tearing or drilling. To preclude the possibility of ACM or PACM becoming friable and airborne, we ask that each resident refrain from disturbing the ceiling, walls and floor surfaces within hallways or common areas. Do not disturb insulation on pipes or floor tiles in your room or in common areas. If you believe that asbestos containing materials have been damaged, report this to Residence Life (245-2929) or Physical Plant (245-2148). For your information, a list of building locations and a brief description of materials such as ceiling tiles, floor tiles or pipe insulation which are known to contain asbestos is available through Residence Life or Physical Plant.
Energy & Water Conservation
Utility and water costs are factors that affect room rates. Residents can help keep costs down by turning off lights and other nonessential electrical items when not in use. Windows should be kept closed in air-conditioned buildings. An open window compromises the entire cooling/heating system and increases energy consumption. Please conserve water and energy whenever possible.
Mold
Mold is everywhere in our environment-both indoors and outdoors and in both new and old structures. Molds are naturally occurring microscopic organisms which reproduce by spores and have existed practically from the beginning of time. All of us have lived with mold spores all our lives. Without molds we would struggle with large amounts of dead organic matter. Mold breaks down organic matter in the environment and uses the end product for its food. Mold spores (like plant pollen) spread through the air and are commonly transported by shoes, clothing and other material. When excess moisture is presented inside a dwelling, mold can grow. There is conflicting scientific evidence as to what constitutes a sufficient accumulation of mold which could lead to adverse health effects. Nonetheless, appropriate precautions need to be taken.
If small areas of mold have already occurred on non-porous surfaces (such as ceramic tiles, Formica, vinyl flooring, metal, wood or plastic), the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that the area be cleaned with soap (or detergent) and water, left to dry and then, within 24 hours, be treated with a pre-mixed, spray-on household biocide, such as Lysol Disinfectant®, Pine-Sol Disinfectant® (original pine-scented), Tilex Mildew Remover® or Clorox Cleanup®. (Note: only a few of the common household cleaners will actually kill mold). The Tilex® and Clorox® contain bleach which can discolor or stain. Follow the instructions on the container. Applying biocides without first cleaning away dirt and oils from surfaces is like painting over old paint without first cleaning and preparing the surface. Always clean and apply biocide to an area five to six times larger than visible mold because mold may be adjacent in quantities not yet visible to the naked eye. A vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can be used to help remove the non-visible mold products from porous items, such as fibers in sofas, chairs, drapes, and carpets—provided the fibers are completely dry. Machine washing or dry cleaning will remove mold from clothes. Do not clean or apply biocides to visible mold on porous surfaces, such as sheetrock walls or ceilings; or a large area of visible mold on non-porous surfaces. Instead, notify Residence Life in writing and the department will take the appropriate action. Complying with this addendum will help prevent mold growth in the halls. For questions, please contact Residence Life. If residents fail to comply, they can be held responsible for property damage to the building and any heath problems that my result. In order to minimize the potential for mold growth, resident should do the following:
- Keep rooms clean – particularly areas with food, the bathroom, carpets and floors. Regular vacuuming, mopping and using a household cleaner on hard surfaces is important to remove the dirt and debris that harbor mold. Immediately throw away moldy food.
- Remove visible moisture – This accumulates on windows, walls, ceilings, floors and other surfaces. When showering, turn on exhaust fans, keep the shower curtain inside the tub or fully close the shower doors. Wipe moisture off the shower walls, doors, tub and floor. Leave the bathroom door open until all moisture on the mirror, bathroom walls and tiled surfaces has dissipated. Hang up towels and bath mats so they will completely dry out.
- Notify staff of problems – Submit a written notice to the desk or apartment office if you notice a problem with air conditioning, heating, water leaks, water infiltration or mold. Failure to promptly pay attention to leaks and moisture that might accumulate on dwelling surfaces or that might get inside walls or ceilings can encourage mold growth. Prolonged moisture can result from a wide variety of sources, such as: rainwater leaking from roofs, windows, doors and outside walls, as well as flood waters rising above floor level; overflows from showers, bathtubs, toilets, lavatories, sinks, dehumidifiers, refrigerators or air conditioning drip pans or clogging up air conditioning condensation lines; leaks from plumbing lines or fixtures and leaks into walls from bad or missing grouting/caulking on showers, tubs or sinks; plant watering overflows, cooking spills and beverage spills; insufficient drying of carpets, carpet pads, shower walls and bathroom floors.