"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips

[Click on the image above for a larger 300dpi JPG file.]

• Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY.  If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
   
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
   
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
   
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

• Keep indoor humidity low.  If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.  Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
   
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity:

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible.  (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
   
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
   
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.  Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation:

• Reduce the humidity (see above).
   
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical.  Use fans as needed.
   
• Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
   
• Increase air temperature.

[Click on the image above for a larger 300dpi JPG file.]

[Click on the image above for a larger 300dpi JPG file.]

Testing or Sampling for Mold

Is sampling for mold needed?  In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.  Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards.  Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.  Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing  mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results.  Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

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