West coast and desert mold alert!

[teddy bear]

With the days and now weeks of wet weather normally arrid regions, people concerned about indoor air quality should be monitoring their indoor %RH. As the %RH exceeds 60% biologicals like mold/mildew and dust mites are growing. Mold/mildew needs a couple days to sprout. %RH meters are available from Wal-mart, Radio Shack for $15. After high humidity is confirmed, enough dehumidification to rapidly reduce the %RH to <50% and air movement is a must. Be especially attentive to the cool areas in the structure. You need more than the department store toy dehus. Check Brands like Santa Fe, Ultra-Aire, & Hi-E Dry. Other commercial dehus are out there.

Usually mold growth goes unnoticed until the space smells musty, black blotches appear, or sensitive people get sick. Then its too late and expensive clean ups are required. Infiltrating moist air and of course water leaks cause most of the high humidity problems.

[teddy bear]

More supporting information on mold!

Health Tip: Controlling Mold
-- Nancyann Rella


(HealthDay News) -- If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your doctor probably has recommended staying indoors when pollen levels get too high.

But there may be little relief from sneezing, itchy eyes and other allergic symptoms if your home is cluttered with indoor allergens such as dust mites and animal dander.

And then there's mold, which can lead to allergy and respiratory problems that can prove deadly. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offer these tips for keeping mold growth in your home under control:

Keep the indoor humidity level at less than 40 percent. A hygrometer can help you monitor the indoor humidity level. A dehumidifier and/or air conditioner may be needed, especially in damp areas of the home.
Fix the source of any water leaks that allow mold spores to grow on windowsills or in refrigerator drip pans.
Try to identify areas where molds and mildew reside on hard surfaces, and clean these areas with a bleach-based product.
Make sure your home has adequate ventilation. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and ventilate clothes dryers to the outside.
Wipe down your shower curtains frequently.
Reduce the number of live indoor plants.
Keep windows closed, if possible.
Do not carpet bathrooms and basements, especially if there are mildew problems in these rooms.

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[Irascible]

So the copy and paste source was sighted for the second post. What's the source of the first?

[teddy bear]

Originally posted by Irascible
So the copy and paste source was sighted for the second post. What's the source of the first?

OK you got me. The first post is based on personal experience over the past 20 years. Sorry, thats all I got and I confess to selling humidity control.