Why Mold Grows – and How to Prevent It

WHY MOLD GROWS – AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

Mold growth is a persistent and costly threat to facilities, especially following water damage or when humidity is high. It can severely impact indoor air quality, causing adverse health effects such as headaches, breathing problems, and aggravated asthma symptoms. Beyond these health risks, mold can inflict significant structural damage to buildings. By understanding the conditions that promote mold growth, FMs can implement targeted prevention strategies to safeguard both occupants and infrastructure.

Dynamics of Mold Growth

Airborne mold spores need a proper “home” to reproduce. That location must provide: organic materials, water, preferably darkness (however mold can and does grow in lighted areas), and an acceptable temperature. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that mold spores can begin to spread within 48 hours after a water damage event – including everyday leaks or flooding – when conditions are right.

Types of Mold

The most common types of mold found in water-damaged buildings are Penicillium and Aspergillus, both of which can colonize quickly. Their spores are respirable, meaning they can be drawn into the lungs during normal breathing. These molds can pose various health risks, ranging from mild allergic reactions to more serious respiratory issues.

Vulnerable Materials

Virtually any organic material in a building can serve as “food” for mold – including wood, drywall, carpet, textiles, insulation, and ceiling tiles. These materials are especially susceptible to mold growth when exposed to moisture.

Moisture Levels

Of the factors contributing to mold growth, water (moisture content) is the one that you can best control to limit the risk of mold growth. Mold thrives in environments with high humidity, which is most often caused by leaks, floods, condensation, and/or poor ventilation.

Detection & Prevention

Addressing underlying moisture and humidity issues can help prevent mold before visible signs, such as water stains or a musty odor, appear – indicating spread of spores, potential damage, and added health risk.

Control Moisture

The EPA advises that relative humidity should be kept below 60%, and ideally between 30% and 50%, to inhibit mold growth. Regularly evaluate indoor humidity levels throughout buildings and add portable dehumidifiers to lower humidity after leaks and flooding (as part of the drying process) and

during summer months. Basements are especially prone to dampness and high humidity levels, and excess moisture from minor leaks and storm surges can often go undetected due to lower foot traffic.

Dry Promptly

To prevent conditions that foster mold growth following leaks and flooding, it is critical to act quickly:

• Remove standing water thoroughly using a flood extractor designed for water damage restoration (NOT a shop vac).
• Use moisture meters to determine moisture content of affected materials and determine where moisture has spread throughout carpets, ceilings, and walls.
• Place portable dehumidifiers, airmovers, and air scrubbers appropriate to the size of the affected space.
• Continue monitoring drying progress until as dry as similar materials in nearby unaffected areas, and continue monitoring indoor humidity.

Conclusion

Ultimately, managing indoor moisture is key to controlling mold growth. Monitor humidity levels, dry immediately after water damage, and employ dehumidifiers and other drying equipment to keep indoor environments safe, healthy, and free from mold-related damage.

For more information:

Tim Poskin, Vice President of Programs

Ready 2 Respond

ready2respond@r2rprogram.com 888-208-5401

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