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380AEW Article

Rise in humidity increases mold growth

  • Published
  • By Air Force Master Sgt. April Lapetoda
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In recent weeks, warmer weather than average coupled with rain has created a rise in humidity levels, which may also increase the spread of mold in the living quarters here.

Molds can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, www.epa.gov. "When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed."

People are often alarmed when they hear "black mold" and think of it as being toxic, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Dodd, 380th Expeditionary Medical Group NCO in charge of Bioenvironmental. While most molds do appear black in color, not all are "black mold," or Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys is uncommon, and the mold itself is not toxic, but under the right conditions can produce a toxin.

While certain molds can produce toxins, specifically mycotoxins, the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov.
While the majority of molds don't release toxic chemicals, they may cause allergy-like symptoms in some people.

"Reactions to mold spores present the same symptoms as dust mite and pet allergies, which include itchy eyes and nasal congestion," said Dodd. "Those symptoms should only last while in the environment containing mold. If you exhibit symptoms, a clinician may make additional recommendations to avoid further exposure."

"Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing," according to the CDC website. "Individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment."

While it is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors, mold growth can be controlled indoors.

"Mold spores may enter your house from the outside through open doorways, windows, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes," according to the CDC website. "Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors."

The most susceptible areas to mold here are air conditioning units.

To prevent against mold, clean air conditioning filters every two weeks, recommends Dodd. Also, practice good housekeeping and reduce clutter to minimize dust and mold buildup.

To help reduce mold spores from entering living spaces here, dorm doors should remain fully closed and not propped open.

"We keep the dorms here over pressurized by keeping the doors closed, which is an attempt to help reduce mold in the living areas," said Dodd. "When the door is opened, air rushes out as you enter the dorm which helps keep mold spores out."

To help prevent mold, the CDC recommends keeping humidity levels as low as possible.

To do this, Dodd recommends setting dorm air conditioning units' temperature control between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius and setting dehumidifiers to 40 to 60 percent humidity. The use of the "snowflake" setting enables the air conditioning units cooling and dehumidification features.

Moisture control is also key in the prevention of mold growth.
If you have a spill, clean it up within 24 hours, said Dodd. Also, try to avoid storing wet clothes in the living areas.

If mold begins to grow in an area, the area should be cleaned as soon as possible to get rid of the mold and prevent it from spreading farther.

"Areas smaller than three feet by three feet in size can be cleaned by using a five percent bleach and water solution," said Dodd. Simply spray the solution on the area covered with mold and wipe it down. Anything larger or dripping needs to be reported to Lodging or the facility manager for repair, otherwise the mold will keep growing.