Mold growth is often thought of as something that only occurs in damp, humid environments. However, mold can actually grow in any environment that has a moisture problem. The key to preventing mold growth is to control the indoor humidity levels in your home.
Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. When the air is saturated with water vapor, it is said to be 100% relative humidity. Relative humidity is the ratio of the actual amount of water vapor in the air to the amount of water vapor required to saturate the air at a particular temperature.
The ideal relative humidity level for preventing mold growth is between 30% and 50%. However, mold can actually start to grow at relative humidity levels as low as 60%.
There are a few things that you can do to help control the humidity levels in your home and prevent mold growth. Some of these things include:
– Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air
– Ventilate your home by opening doors and windows
– Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom
– Fix any leaks in your home
– Dry wet areas of your home immediately
If you have a mold problem in your home, it is important to have it professionally remediated. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, so it is not something that you should try to remove on your own.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/mold/molds-humidity
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/mold-allergy/faq-20058097