Mold and Dampness

Where does mold come from?

Mold exists everywhere; there are no indoor spaces without mold.1, 2

, 3 However, without sufficient moisture, mold cannot grow.

If mold is growing, too much moisture is present.

How can dampness and mold impact health?

Dampness and mold are not the same, but they go hand in hand. Dampness may show up in visible moisture, like leaks or as high

humidity. Dampness in homes or buildings creates the environment for mold spores to grow. Excessive moisture also promotes

the growth of common indoor pollutants like dust mites, cockroaches,bacteria and viruses, which can impact health.2

Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in people who are allergic to mold. Researchers are

investigating whether damp indoor environments and mold may actually cause upper and lower respiratory

problems.4 Furthermore, anyone -- with or without allergies -- may experience irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs

when exposed to airborne mold particles.3

Mold has also been linked to:

Worsening of asthma

Coughing

Wheezing

Nasal congestion

Sore throat

Sneezing

Rhinitis.1

An uncommon disease known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been associated with exposure to indoor mold in people who

have weakened immune systems.1, 3

, 5This disease creates flu-like symptoms that may recur.

Where does the moisture come from?

The water that dampens indoor environments comes from many sources. Some sources are impossible to avoid, so it is important

to keep all indoor spaces well-ventilated. Problems arise when materials are allowed to remain wet long enough for mold growth.

If you discover a water problem, fix it quickly.

Moisture may build indoors in many different ways. These include:

Flooding or leaks that allow rainwater indoors

Poorly connected plumbing and leaky pipes

Continually damp carpet (may occur if carpet is installed on poorly ventilated floor)

Inadequate exhaust of bathrooms and kitchens

Outdoor humidity

Condensation or moisture build-up in humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and drip pans under refrigerator cooling

coils. 1, 3

, 5

How can dampness and mold be prevented?

The best way to control dampness and mold indoors is to control moisture sources. Common problem areas include air-

conditioning units; basements, attics and crawl spaces; bathrooms; humidifiers and dehumidifiers; and refrigerator drip pans. Fix

all leaks. Increase air movement and ventilation. Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to reduce moisture. Keep

appliance drip pans clean.3 Regularly and thoroughly clean places where molds are likely to grow. Keep indoor humidity levels

below 50 percent.1

Watch out for these signs to identify a dampness problem:

Musty odor

Moisture on hard surfaces and

Water stains that signify water leaks or condensation.3

For more information on preventing dampness and mold, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

How can dampness and mold problems be fixed?

Identify and eliminate the water problem. The most critical step is to identify and eliminate the source of the water that is

creating a damp environment. You may need technical assistance from a plumber or contractor to determine what needs to be

fixed or changed.

Determine the extent of the problem. EPA recommends calling for professional help to clean any mold growth that covers

more than 10 square feet.3

Remove, clean or discard affected materials. To get rid of mold, wash it off materials that can be effectively cleaned, such as

hard surfaces. Use detergent and warm water. Dry the surface completely. If the materials cannot be cleaned or are too damaged

to reuse, discard them. Porous materials, like ceiling tiles, likely cannot be cleaned thoroughly and must be discarded.3

Protect occupants and workers during the cleanup process. At minimum, wear an N-95 mask (available at hardware stores),

disposable gloves and goggles. Workplace cleanup requires that the N-95 mask be professionally fitted.3

If water build up was caused by sewage, floods or other contaminated water, call in a professional.

For more information on guidelines for safely cleaning up mold, visit the EPA's mold clean up site.

1. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. National Academies Press. Washington, DC. 2004.

2. IOM, Division of Health Promotion, Indoor Air and Disease Prevention. Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures.

National Academies Press. Washington, DC. 2000.

3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. Accessed February 18, 2010.

4. Weinhold R. A Spreading of Concern: Inhalational Health Effects of Mold.Environmental Health Perspectives 115

(2007): A300-A305.

5. Meggs WJ. Epidemics of Mold Poisoning Past and Present. Toxicology and Industrial Health 25 (2009): 571-6.