Mold and Moisture
Mold is a type of fungus. Mold spores are found in both the indoor and outdoor air, but they will only grow if they find the right conditions. Mold requires three simple elements to grow:
- Moderate temperatures
- Nutrients (food)
- Moisture
Bacteria can start to grow on interior building surfaces and furnishings if there is too much moisture. Eventually it will damage the materials it is growing on and may cause health effects for occupants.
Relative Humidity
Within the realm of Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ, one term that is of great importance to us is relative humidity. Relative humidity refers to the percentage of water vapor in the air at a given temperature, compared with water vapor that the air is capable of holding at that temperature. Warm air can hold more moisture than cooler air, so this means that with the same absolute humidity, cooler air will have higher relative humidity and warmer air will have a lower relative humidity.
What can I do if I can't control the humidity?
UES Consultants understand that controlling humidity may not be as simple as keeping your thermostat at a certain temperature. Some problems are a little more complicated than others. If you are having an issue with humidity in your home or office and believe there is a source of moisture that is increasing the humidity, give one of our consultants at
We’re happy to help you with all of your indoor air quality needs!
What does this mean for IAQ?
According to the National Center of Biotechnology the human body tends to be most comfortable when relative humidity is within the range of 20% – 60%. However, the recommended range for indoor relative humidity is 30% – 50%. Once relative humidity increases to 60% or more, mold has the opportunity to grow and pose a serious health risk for the occupants inside. Other factors such as surface moisture and nutrient sources play a large role in the development of mold, but relative humidity is rather easy to control to help stop this nuisance from becoming a serious problem. It is important to note that air relative humidity and surface humidity can be very different from each other. If the surface has moisture yet the air is relatively dry, mold can still have the opportunity to grow and the wet surface can be damaged over time
How can relative humidity be controlled to improve IAQ?
Where you live or work impacts the relative humidity, and can be sky high or not a problem at all. In Florida relative humidity tends to become an issue during the summer months when warm air holds more moisture. Keeping the thermostat between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during this time will help keep relative humidity at a manageable level. During the winter months, high relative humidity is less of an issue, but an indoor temperature of 69 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit will also help keep your space free of rising relative humidity levels. Another tool to keep in your arsenal of good air quality practices is a dehumidifier. For some buildings, a dehumidifier is essential to prevent moisture levels from creeping up, especially during the summer. By practicing these tips, relative humidity should stay at a low, manageable level and your indoor air quality will be at a high, stable state.