|
Typical Causes Where to Look What to do
According to the EPA Technology Update:
"Fungi have been identified as the source of many health problems, including infections, asthma, allergies and sinusitis”
“Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause reactions in humans”
“Molds typically grow in buildings affected by water damage and have been found in homes, hospitals, schools and office buildings”
“Since 1980, there has been an alarming increase in fungal related health problems”
“Fungi have been identified as causing sinusitis, the most common chronic disease in the United States afflicting more than 37 million Americans. It is also believed that fungi play a major role in cases of sick building syndrome and building related illnesses”
BACK TO TOP
- Water leaks from windows, roof or plumbing
- Wet or damp basements or crawl spaces
- Condensation from high relative humidity in air
- Inadequate ventilation
- Inadequate cleaning and drying after water or flood intrusion
BACK TO TOP
From water leaks
- Walls under the bottom corners of windows
- Floors around toilets and under dishwashers
- Walls around uninsulated cold-water pipes
- Around the chimney in the attic
- Plugged or damaged downspouts
- Basement - Bottom of walls, corners and floors
- Water leaks from the outside of the building
In the crawl space
- Exposed soil
- Standing water
- Mold growth on the joists or sub-floor
- Wood debris on ground
In the basement
- Damp walls or floors
- Under boxes or carpets
- Cracks and holes
- Efflorescence ( A mineral deposit which is a sign of moisture entering the home).
BACK TO TOP
Condensation is caused when high relative humidity (RH) air contacts cooler surfaces. (As when wet air from a shower condenses on the cold mirror or windows in the bathroom). Mold needs a wet environment and a little food to grow and condensation often provides the moisture for molds to start growing.
- In bathrooms
- How long after a shower can you see moisture on the surfaces and is mold already growing there?
- Is there an exhaust fan and is it used?
- Ceilings over the shower or tub
- Window glass and frames
- Under or behind the toilet tank
- Exterior walls
- Bedrooms
- Windows, in the bottom corners, sides or on the glass
- Behind dressers on exterior walls
- Closets, in the lower corners or exterior walls
- Basement
- On drywall attached to exterior walls
- Crawl space
- Bottom of uninsulated wood floors
- Inside of foundation walls or skirting
BACK TO TOP
EHSI/Healthy Buildings, Inc. has several different ways to help with your indoor air quality problems. Click here for more information about our services.
|
Click below for detailed information.
|
