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Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips
Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control
Mold growing on the surface of a unit ventilator. Click on the image for
a larger version.
- 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
Condensation on the inside of a windowpane.
- 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
Mold growing on a wooden headboard in a room with high
humidity. Click on the image for a larger version.
- Reduce the humidity.
- 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.
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.
Rust is an indicator that condensation occurs on
this drainpipe. The pipe should be insulated to prevent
condensation. Click on the image for a larger version.
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Renters: Report all plumbing leaks
and moisture problems
immediately to your building owner, manager, or superintendent.
In cases where persistent water problems are not addressed,
you may want to contact local, state, or federal health or housing
authorities |
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