Mold in the Workplace
Navigating Mold & Microbial Growth at Work
Every employee deserves a safe place to work
The Issue: Mold and Moisture In Our Workplaces
Across the country, adults spend nearly one-third of their lives at work. Yet far too many workplaces are failing the very people who fill them. Buildings plagued with roof leaks, damp walls, and water-damaged ceilings often hide mold and other hazards that silently harm the health and well-being of the people inside them.
The EPA’s own research shows the scale of the problem: 85% of U.S. office buildings surveyed had past water damage, and 45% had active leaks. These conditions create the perfect environment for mold and microbial growth—environmental threats increasingly linked to chronic illness, disability, and reduced performance.
This is not just a workplace issue. It is a productivity issue, a public health issue, and an economic issue.
EPA's BASE Study
Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study
45%
Have Current Leaks
85%
Had Past Water Damage
*Randomly selected buildings in the US. See full report here.
It Starts With Water Damage—But It Doesn’t End There
Moisture can enter a building in countless ways: plumbing failures, roof or window leaks, poor drainage, appliance malfunctions, cleaning practices, high humidity, or even everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and breathing. Severe weather events such as rain, snow, or flooding add to the problem. Once present, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24–48 hours.
But mold is only part of the story. Water-damaged buildings often harbor a mix of contaminants—bacteria, mycotoxins, microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), endotoxins, and more. Together, they create a complex ecosystem that can take a serious toll on human health.
Research has shown that mold exposure can impact far more than just the lungs. Campbell et al. (2008) found it may cause neurological symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, tinnitus, and memory loss. Workplace studies reinforce this: Hyvonen et al. (2020) reported that hospital employees exposed to mold were significantly more likely to experience neurological symptoms, brain fog, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain.
The good news is that proven prevention and remediation strategies for mold and water damage also help address these other pollutants—creating safer, healthier environments for everyone.
Tips & Strategies for Navigating Mold & Microbial Contamination In The Workplace
Many individuals made sick from environmental exposures in the workplace may struggle to participate fully at work. While the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) protects individuals with disabling, environmentally-triggered conditions, awareness remains low both among employees and employers.
This FREE guide aims to help bridge that gap. Inside, you’ll find:
Workplace Resources
Read the latest articles, resources, and real stories about mold, microbial growth, and water damage in the workplace
