Even though most of human life is spent indoors, maintaining indoor air quality is necessary to lower pollution levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that indoor air pollution cause 1.6 million deaths yearly, making it one of the major causes of premature death. The maintenance of clean air in homes and workplaces is critical because indoor air pollution can have a greater negative impact on human health.
According to the EPA, concentrations of some pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than concentrations outdoors. While the types of indoor air contaminants can vary greatly, mold is among the most common pollutants. Therefore, mold can cause material deterioration, allergies, and other issues. One method of reducing mold exposure is by circulating stagnant air through air conditioning systems. However, the use of air conditioning systems (ACUs) has a greater effect on increasing spore count indoors than outdoor spores increasing indoor spore counts; ACUs facilitate the spread of mold spores by causing surface disturbances and by dispersing airborne spores.
Standards of Mold Remediation Clearance vs. Air Conditioning Systems
Home and business owners frequently turn to mold treatment when they fear mold growth and moisture infiltration. An affected region is typically cleared by inspectors using the standard method of comparison between the control and collected samples, where spore concentrations indoors must be lower than outdoor concentrations. This method was sufficient in successful mold clearance; however, the increasing use of air conditioning systems in buildings has rendered this method inaccurate.While air conditioning units ventilate stagnant air, mold spores may be relocated and spread throughout the property. Moreover, leaks in ACUs and air ducts provide sufficient moisture for mold growth. It is imperative that areas where water intrusion is present be inspected and remediated immediately. If left untreated, mold reservoirs can grow as soon as 24 to 48 hours according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Furthermore, if mold treatment is completed but there is still a leak in the ducts or ACU, the cause of the moisture incursion remains unresolved, allowing the mold development to continue.
Source of Moisture
During mold remediation, mold spores suspended in the air and on surfaces may be remediated; however, the source of moisture may not be located allowing further damage and health consequences. While moisture sources may not always be easy to locate, a possible location to search is the ACU for potential leaks. Leaks can be resolved by licensed professionals; however, any exposure to moisture in the ACU allows for sufficient conditions for mold growth. Typically, the filters of air handler units as well as individual parts within the system should be routinely inspected. Failure to pinpoint the source of moisture facilitates further contamination, damage, and allergens by mold growth.
Consequences
Although an inflicted region may be cleared by inspectors, failure to maintain conditions for mold prevention or inaccurately cleared mold remediation lead to negative consequences including but not limited to:
● Additional exposure to mold spores
● Allergies
● Growth and spread of mold spores
● Damage to organic materials
While mold concentrations outdoors may cause allergic reactions, even exposure to small amounts of mold indoors could be problematic for occupants within a building. Post remediation, a workspace should provide a healthy space and have regulated concentrations of mold. However, when indoor conditions are not remediated and maintained, mold spores continue to grow and spread. Inaccurately cleared mold remediation will create extensive damage to health and property, and require additional attention.
Maintaining Conditions to Prevent Mold Growth
Several steps may be taken to regulate conditions of mold growth prevention including:
● Applying premium Merv 11 air filters to the air conditioner (ACU)
● Turn on AC fans 24/7 to filter air indoors
● Maintaining and scheduling visual check-ups from licensed professionals
for AC and air duct systems
● Regularly maintain surfaces containing dust
● Implement and utilize a humidistat, maintaining an indoor humidity
between 30-55% to prevent mold growth or dust mites
● Swap out worn-out carpets for brand-new carpets or wood or tile flooring
● Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and anti-microbial wipes
on non-porous surfaces
Maintaining such circumstances is crucial while making sure a place is remediated in order to avoid negative health effects and/or harm. According to the EPA, humans approximately 90% of their lives indoors. Consequently, residential and commercial buildings must be kept at ideal conditions where indoor air quality is a top priority. Taking the steps listed above to stop mold growth and ensure the safety of the inhabitants within the building.
Take Away
In order to address any moisture concerns, mold inspections and treatment should be conducted as soon as mold development or water infiltration is suspected. Typically issues of mold growth are resolved through inspection and remediation, then cleared by a qualified professional by
comparing the spore counts of indoor vs. outdoor concentrations.
However, this method may not be accurate in buildings utilizing air conditioning systems. ACUs can encourage the growth of mold by causing system leaks and by uprooting and dispersing mold spores throughout the structure under consideration. To ensure precise building remediation, ACUs need to be regularly inspected and maintained to stop leaks. Leaks in ACUs allow sufficient conditions for mold growth and may disturb and circulate the mold spores throughout the subject building.
Failure to properly clear mold remediation will result in extensive damage to one’s health and property. In homes and workspaces, regular management of ACUs and areas of potential moisture intrusion should always be monitored and remediated immediately to prevent mold growth, as even limited concentrations mold spores may result in allergic reactions or other health issues. In addition to the remediation area, all locations inside and outside the house or business need to be cleaned when inhabitants are sick.
BNF Consulting, Inc. is a licensed mold inspection company that abides by New York State & US EPA regulations for mold inspection and testing. Does your home or business have a mold problem? Our company can provide a reliable mold inspection service to determine potential risks.
Call us today at 914-297-8335 for a free phone consultation!
About Authors:
Justin H. Joe, PhD, CIH, CSP, CPE, is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and
a principal consultant of BNF Consulting, Inc. Dr. Joe graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with PhD and MS degrees in nuclear engineering. Dr. Joe has provided industrial hygiene consulting as a core function with his diverse background of experience and education.
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