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Controlling Mold Growth in Buildings
Prevention and Control Strategies
Article Written By:
Henry P. Shotwell, CIH
Robert E. Sheriff, CIH, CSP
Atlantic Environmental, Inc.
Dover, NJ
http://www.atlenv.com/
In background quantities, molds can be found everywhere-in
air, water, our homes, our clothing and even on our pets.
They are present in such small numbers that they don't
trigger reactions in humans, except in ultra-sensitive
individuals.
But, when molds find the right combination of moisture,
food and temperature, (and each species of mold needs
a unique combination of food, moisture and temperature
for optimum growth) they can propagate explosively. Removing
any one of the three essentials will prevent their growth,
and make adverse reactions in building occupants unlikely.
When evaluating the growth potential for mold inside
a building, it is absolutely essential to measure the
type and amount of mold in the air outside the building
as well as inside. Normally, the amount and type of mold
inside is about the same (or less) as found outdoors.
If the indoor level is considerably higher than outdoors,
it's likely there's a problem inside: a leaky roof, condensation
on water pipes, or some other source of moisture inside
the building. Of course, since molds can use wood and
wallboard for food, and many of them like the same temperatures
that you and I do, the one factor that controls mold growth
indoors is the moisture supply.
So, if a building has a mold problem, or seems likely
to, how can it be fixed? In some buildings, the source
of moisture can be identified, isolated and controlled.
But in others, the whole building promotes mold growth.
Sometimes seasonal conditions (heavy rains, prolonged
hot or cold periods, floods and the like) allow heat and
moisture to get trapped, especially in "energy efficient"
structures, and the whole building becomes an incubator.
Controlling water inflows is the single most effective
means of preventing mold growth. In coastal areas and
areas of prolonged high humidity, controlling the inflow
of warm, moist air can be a problem.
Regular inspection of building areas known to be damp
or wet, and immediate removal of the wetness through absorbent
materials and de-humidifiers must be part of a good preventive
maintenance program. Annual cleaning of air intakes, diffusers
and filter boxes as well as the use of fungicidal paints,
regular carpet cleaning and the immediate removal of moldy
spots on walls, floorboards or other surfaces are equally
important factors. I'll discuss this in more detail, in
a later article.
Finally, the building management has to have authority
to respond immediately to conditions that promote mold
growth. The response must be fast and effective if Building-Related
Disease or Sick Building Syndrome is to be avoided.
Atlantic Environmental Inc
2 East Blackwell Street
Dover, NJ 07801
(800) 344-4414
(973) 366-4660
(973) 366-3116 Fax
info@atlenv.com
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