Moisture  
 


Moisture allows mold to grow. Rooms with high levels of moisture may have visible mold growth, or mold may be present, but you may not be able to see it. Mold lives naturally indoors and outdoors. Usually, human health is not affected until the amount of mold becomes very high, or if a person is very sensitive to molds. Mold growth can be reduced if moisture levels are kept low.

Exposure to mold can cause:

  • Asthma
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest tightness
  • Allergy symptoms
  • Skin irritation or rash
  • Fever symptoms

How are children exposed to mold caused by moisture?

  • Breathing in mold particles growing on floors, walls and other hard surfaces
  • Inhaling mold living in dust
  • Inhaling mold from blowing humidifiers, air conditioners, and forced air heating systems
  • Touching mold, then ingesting it by transferring mold from hands to food or hands to mouth

How can high moisture levels be prevented?

  • Find the source of moisture and repair it. The source of moisture may include a leaky roof or plumbing. It may also help to moisture-proof walls and floors in basements.
  • Use exhaust fans or open windows in bathrooms and kitchens when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher
  • Keep the air in your home circulating by leaving doors between rooms open and open windows on opposite sides of the house frequently
  • Vent your dryer to the outside of your home
  • Use an air conditioner and/or a dehumidifier, but make sure the drip pans are empty and clean daily
  • Firewood should be stored outside
  • Do not store dirty or damp laundry in closed closets

How can mold exposure be prevented?

If moisture levels are kept low, mold will not have a place to grow. Follow the steps listed above to keep moisture low.

If your furniture, walls, floors, or any other home material becomes moldy, they should be replaced. Drying and cleaning moldy items does not kill mold spores that have entered the item. If carpets or furniture become moldy do not vacuum them. This will scatter mold spores into the air you and your children breathe. Once a mold problem exists, it is expensive to solve, because moldy items must be removed and destroyed. This includes furniture, wall materials, carpets, etc. Keeping moisture levels low will reduce your chance of having a mold problem to begin with.

For more information about moisture and mold visit the EPA's website: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html