Can Too Much Humidity Cause Mold Growth?
Mold is known as one of the most common allergens in the United States! Its health effects on the general public can vary from person to person, but it’s an eyesore and a serious issue regardless of how you look at it. The best way to stop mold growth is to prevent it from happening in the first place, and that involves knowing what conditions cause it to thrive. So, how does humidity factor into this equation? We’ll explain more about the relationship between humidity and mold growth below!
What Causes Home Humidity?
In order to identify the relationship between humidity and mold, you should first understand what causes humidity to form in your home in the first place. It’s an everyday occurrence that is pretty hard to avoid! Machines like humidifiers actively work to increase humidity in dry conditions – which is why they’re so popular during the winter months. Anything that generates heat in your home can contribute to humidity; cooking something on a stove or in an oven, taking a hot shower, or using your laundry dryer are all factors that contribute to humidity levels in your home.
Are Mold and Humidity Linked?
Now, let’s take a look at the conditions that cause mold to grow. For mold spores to thrive, they need a food source, moisture, and time. The higher the humidity, the greater the chance that mold has the conditions to grow. For this reason, you should do your best to control humidity levels!
What’s An Acceptable Level Of Humidity In My Home?
It’s not a realistic goal to completely eliminate humidity in your home. It could actually do more harm than good if you try! Instead, the Environmental Protection Agency published guidelines on what they considered to be an acceptable level of humidity in your home. They believe your home’s ideal humidity levels should be between 30 and 50 percent, if possible. You can actually measure how humid your home is yourself; there are many digital thermometers out there with this capability, and a hygrometer can also measure this quality. The more you can regulate humidity, the easier it is to stop mold growth!
Mold Remediation With Soil-Away
Sometimes, the conditions for mold to thrive are inevitable. When this situation occurs, the best course of action is to eliminate it to prevent further growth. The mold remediation professionals at Soil-Away can identify and get rid of mold in your home to foster a safer, healthier environment for your family. Have you experienced mold growth in your New Hampshire property? Contact us today
