![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Chapter 2 - Why and Where Mold Grows
Lesson 3 - Humidity
Chapter 2 - Why and Where Mold Grows
Lesson 1
Introduction to Mold Growth
Lesson 2
Moisture Problems
Lesson 3 Humidity
Lesson 4
Ventilation Humidity Problems
Lesson 5
Structural Integrity and Mold Growth
Lesson 6
Crawl Spaces
Lesson 7
Floods
Mold on grout
(photo courtesy of Elissa Feldman)
Click image for larger version
Humidity levels can rise in a building as a result of the use of humidifiers, steam radiators, moisture-generating appliances such as dryers, and combustion appliances such as stoves. Cooking and showering also can add to indoor humidity.
Moisture issue: Condensation on uninsulated air conditioning duct. Fix: Insulate the duct
on the outside. (photo courtesy of Terry Brennan).
Click image for larger version
HVAC System
One function of the building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is to remove moisture from the air before the air is distributed throughout the building. If the HVAC system is turned off during or shortly after major cleaning efforts that involve a lot of water, such as mopping and carpet shampooing or cleaning, the humidity may rise greatly, and moisture or mold problems may develop.
Condensation
Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. When warm, humid air contacts a cold surface, condensation may form. (To see this, remove a cold bottle of water from a refrigerator and take it outside on a hot day. Typically, condensation will form on the outside of the bottle.) Humidity can be measured with a humidity gauge or meter; models that can monitor both temperature and humidity are generally available for less than $50 at hardware stores or on the Internet.
<< Previous Lesson | Home | Next Lesson - Ventilation Humidity Problems >>