Microbial Information

What is Mold?

Mold plays a key role in the natural decomposition of plant debris, like leaves and wood, and is present in all environments. Microbial spores typically need two things to grow:

• A host or source (Building materials, food, clothes, etc.)
• Excessive moisture (caused by wet clothing, leaks, etc.)
• Microbial growth cannot occur without a water source. 

Preventative Measures Taken by Pepperdine

At Pepperdine, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our community. Although there is no way to prevent microbial growth in our surrounding environment, we make every effort to prevent and protect against any concerns in our community by: 

• Rapidly responding to any and all water intrusions to stop the flow of water;
• Deploying drying and cleaning resources when there is a water intrusion including moisture extraction, dehumidification, and sanitization;
• Disposing of trash from common areas and staging trash bins throughout campus;
• Inspecting building materials and facilities throughout the year;
• Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, including plumbing fixtures, pipes, window sealants, caulking and other potential sources of water to prevent leaks before they happen; and,
• Regular cleaning services provided by the Department of Facilities Services (DFS):
  
  • Student Residential Space Services
    • Bathrooms and common areas within the student halls (not the apartments)
    • Lounges and common areas in student halls and apartments
    • Kitchenettes in the student halls
    • Corridors in the student halls and apartments
    • Laundry rooms in the student halls and apartments
    • Public restrooms in student halls and apartments
  • Academic / Office Building Services
    • Daily trash removal
    • Daily bathroom cleaning
    • Regular dusting and vacuuming
    • Bi-annual deep cleaning of the floors
      
      

Preventative Measures You Can Take

Proper Ventilation

• Residential Spaces
  • When weather conditions allow, open windows and doors to increase fresh outdoor air. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to people using the facility. During high wind events, please keep your windows closed.
  • Control and Eliminate Source of Moisture 
    
    • Properly dry clothes, towels, and wetsuits before storing them inside.
    • Open windows and use fans when showering to reduce humidity.
  • If you have a health concern or maintenance emergency, please call DFS directly at 310-506-4101 during business hours and call Public Safety at 310-506-4442 after hours.
    
    • You can also submit an online maintenance request if leaks (rainwater, sinks, dishwashers, toilets, etc.) are identified or you have a microbial concern.
  • Clean Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Rooms in addition to DFS cleanings.
    
    • Use appropriate cleaning solutions (over the counter cleaners) to regularly clean dirt and grime from frequently used/dirtied areas in your living space.
    • Wipe down surfaces, walls, and windowsills to prevent the build up of dust.
    • While DFS provides regular services, it is the responsibility of the resident to maintain the housekeeping of your residence. 
• Academic / Office Building
  • When weather conditions allow, you may open windows in your office space to increase fresh outdoor air.
  • Control and Eliminate Sources of Moisture
    • Properly dry any spills.
    • Ensure all doors from the outside are properly closed.
    • Close all windows in your office at the end of each work day.
    • Close windows if there is a rain event occurring.
    • Report any doors or windows that do not properly close.
  • If you have a health concern or maintenance emergency, please call DFS directly at 310-506-4101 during business hours and call Public Safety at 310-506-4442 after hours
    • You can also submit an online maintenance request if there is a leak (rainwater, sinks, breakroom fridges, toilets, etc.).

Food Handling

• Residential Spaces
  • Avoid leaving food out for prolonged periods of time to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.
  • Vacuum regularly to prevent the build up of crumbs and the potential risk of pests seeking food in your living space.
• Academic / Office Building
  • Maintain an orderly office space.
  • Be mindful of the food you keep in common-space refrigerators.
    
    • Dispose of uneaten food regularly

Trash Disposal

• Residential Spaces
  • Take out your trash on a regular basis to avoid overflowing trash containers.
  • Avoid leaving food out for prolonged periods of time.
• Academic / Office Building
  • Contact DFS via (310)-506-4101 to report a trash overflow.
  • Alert your office manager if trash is overflowing.
  • Avoid leaving food out for prolonged periods of time.
    
    

What To Do If You Suspect a Microbial Issue

• Submit a maintenance request to DFS providing details about where and what you found.
  • Work requests can be placed online 24 hours a day.
  • For emergency maintenance call:
    
    • During regular business hours M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM, call DFS at 310-506-4101.
    • After hours, call Public Safety at 310-506-4442
• DFS staff will inspect the area within one business day.
• DFS inspections typically include: humidity readings, moisture readings, visual inspections, and an assessment of the overall cleanliness of the space.
  • In Student Residential Spaces
    • DFS staff will be accompanied by a Resident Director.
• Communications
  • For suspected cases in student residential spaces, the offices of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) and EHS will communicate with you throughout the process.
    
    • For suspected cases in faculty/staff spaces, Human Resources (HR) and EHS will communicate with you throughout the process.
  • EHS is also available to address questions about Pepperdine’s process or microbial issues in general.