Q: Should I clean my dorm? 
A: The 502nd ABW is not requiring Airmen to clean up the mold, however residents are still asked to perform their normal cleaning procedures as any resident is expected to do in their own home.  The 502d Civil Engineering team is properly equipped to handle this responsibility and clean-up impacted facilities the safest and most efficient ways possible. The health and well-being of our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians at JBSA are essential.

Q: Why did this take leadership so long to respond to?
A: The 502nd ABW command team was made aware of the situation on July 23 and we are thankful to the Airmen who brought this issue to light. Once we were made aware we immediately began to take action because every Airmen should live in clean, healthy conditions.

Q: Will Airmen be moved from their dorms?
A: Permanent party and technical training residents have been relocated and moved internally to other dormitories or on-base lodging. More residents will require relocation because of mold and maintenance issues.  Base leaders are actively working a relocation plan that includes relocating residents to other on-base facilities and potentially off base. Further details will be provided as logistical and funding requirements are determined.  The 502nd ABW is relocating Airmen as soon as possible.    

Q: What is the 502nd ABW and Brig. Gen. Laura Lenderman doing to fix the problem? 
A: In addition to moving Airmen professionals from 502nd Civil Engineer Group are treating rooms with a regimen that includes a bleaching process as well as utilizing dehumidifiers, removing and replacing carpet with vinyl planks, and installing ceiling fans. As we work to correct these near-term issues, we are also continuing to work our long-term 502nd ABW Dorm and Training Campus Improvement Plan to mitigate risks and support JBSA mission execution.

Q: Are there any known cases of residents suffering health-related issues due to the mold?
A: No health-related issues have been identified at this time. If Airmen do feel like there is a health issue, we  encourage residents to reach out to their dorm managers and chain of command with those concerns at any time.

Q: Are you punishing Airmen because they’re posting and commenting on social media about the mold?
A: No, Airmen are not being punished for posting and/or commenting on social media about the mold. We owe it to our Airmen to ensure they live and work in an environment that is safe and healthy. As always, we  encourage Airmen at all levels to communicate up, down and laterally across the chain of command using all available means, including the chain of command.  At the end of the day, we simply want to get this right and take care of our Airmen.

Q: How can I be exposed to mold?
A: Mold is everywhere, spores float in the air and land on all surfaces. People are exposed to mold every day throughout the year.  Mold thrives in wet conditions and can grow within 24 hours after an area is damp or saturated.  Exposures for people increase with indoor mold which most commonly occurs in basements and near showers.

Q: How can I tell if I have been exposed to mold?
A: All of us have been exposed to mold.  Mold occurs everywhere, outdoors and indoors, but humid and damp conditions can cause mold to grow inside buildings.  Mold is harmless to most people.  In healthy people, there is very little risk of serious illness due to mold exposure.

Q: How does mold affect people?
A: Most people have little to no affect from mold exposure.  Some people are sensitive to mold.  For those people, exposure to mold most commonly causes symptoms similar to a cold with a runny nose, congestion, cough, and red/itchy eyes.  It is controversial whether mold exposure increases the risk of any other symptoms to include headaches and skin rashes.  Most people do not need to see a medical provider for these symptoms.  People with allergies or asthma may notice flare up, causing their allergies or asthma to get worse.  Actual mold infections caused are extremely rare among healthy people. 

Q: How much mold does it take to make me sick?
A: It depends on the situation and the person, as the amount varies from person-to-person.  The long-term presence of indoor mold is most likely to impact those with special health concerns.  People with allergies or asthma may notice their allergies or asthma worsen.  Mold-related infections are extremely rare among healthy people.  “Toxic Molds” or “Black Molds” are scary but not accurate terms.  There are no proven links between mold exposure and serious diseases in healthy people.

Q: How do I document my exposure to mold in my medical record?
A: Without symptoms, there is no benefit from documenting your mold exposure in your medical record.  As all of us are exposed to mold daily, we would then need to document this in all medical records.  If you are having symptoms, then a medical appointment would be helpful for symptom management and treatment.  While at the appointment, the medical provider can document the mold exposure as a possible cause of the symptoms.

Q: How do I know if the mold that I was exposed to is a “toxic” type of mold?
A: “Toxic Molds” and “Black Molds” sound scary but are not a certain type of mold.  The Centers for Disease Control does not recommend routine mold testing for type, as standards for acceptable types and amounts of mold have not been established.  Usually, there is no benefit from determining the type of mold that is present.  Whether a person gets sick from mold is related to whether the individual person is allergic or susceptible to the mold. 

Q: Which provider should I see, if I am sick?
A:

• -For permanent party, make an appointment with your PCM by calling 210-916-9900
• -For Basic Military Training trainees, see your IDMT or walk into Reid Health Services Center
• -For Technical Training Students, see your IDMT or usual healthcare provider which may be Reid Health Services Center at Lackland, Troop Medical Clinic at Fort Sam Houston, or Taylor Burk Health Clinic at Camp Bullis
• ***Referrals to Specialists will be made by these medical providers, if indicated.

Q: Where can I learn more about Mold?
A: You can find additional information from the following official sites:

• Texas Department of State Health Services: 
  • Mold,  https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/factsheet_mold.shtm?terms=mold
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): 
  • Basic Mold Facts, Mold and Dampness, https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
  • You Can Control Mold, https://www.cdc.gov/mold/pdfs/You_Can_Control_Mold.pdf
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):  A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home,
  • https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pd
• American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology:
  • https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/mold-allergy  

If your property has been damaged, you may be able to file a claim with the 502d Air Base Wing Legal Office.

Click here for more information, including legal contact information for sister services.

Note for mold damage:
**Once you have provided a photo, you are not required to keep any items for the Air Force claims process