Record #: 63
Voice:  800-227-5558

Email:  help@acs.org 
  American Chemical Society (ACS)
ACS advances knowledge and research through scholarly publishing, scientific conferences, information resources for education and business, and professional development efforts.

1155 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington ,  DC       20036      US
 

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Record #: 65
Voice:  800-942-0832

Email:  info@iaqcouncil.org 
  American Indoor Air Quality Council 
A non-profit organization for indoor air quality professionals and technicians. Offers IAQ training.

Post Office Box 11599
Glendale ,  AZ       85318-1599      US
 

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Record #: 68
Voice:  614-888-9772

Email:  becohio@lycos.com 
  Building Environment Council of Ohio (BECO)
We are interested in problems within buildings arising from pollutants in and immediately around those buildings, especially pollutants associated with building aterials, utilities, the building site, or occupant activities.

6161 Busch Blvd., Suite 87
Columbus ,  OH       43229-2508      US
 

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The best means to prevent or control the spread of mold growth is to deny the spores the moisture necessary for germination.  Therefore, regulating the environment, especially relative humidity is essential for preventing the deterioration of valuable property from microorganism growth.  Relative humidity levels should be routinely monitored.  Spore germination is less likely to occur if relative humidity is controlled between 35-45 percent.  When relative humidity levels rise above 65 percent, the use of portable dehumidifiers might be necessary to reduce the moisture content of the air.  A temperature between 68-72oF (spring/summer) and 70-740F (fall/winter) should be targeted.  These levels only decrease the potential of germination and growth; they do not eliminate it.  Therefore, other factors, such as adequate air circulation should be maintained; a fan will help to increase circulation.

The following guidelines for fungal invasion prevention:

1.       Place books/book shelves, and furniture at least 1-2 inches from the wall for airflow.

2.       Store books, materials, important documents, and collectibles in a room where there are no extreme temperature/humidity changes, and not in extreme light/darkness.

3.       Keep indoor plants to a minimum as they draw fungus, bacteria, and other microbes.

4.       Regularly inspect for mold infestation wherever water/moisture has been historical. (more…)

Q:    Are there certain geographical areas where houses are more prone to toxic mold?
A:   Houses built on previous chemical dumpsites or agricultural areas of heavy pesticide or fertilization use are havens for a wide variety of fungi species.   Houses built in flood zones, or prior flooded areas are excellent breeding grounds for toxic molds.
     
Q:    Fifty years ago, we didn’t have problems with environmental mold contamination.   Why?
A:   In the 1980’s, building codes changed nationwide and the dimensions for room size decreased to meet prevailing economic issues.   Consequently, when too many people occupy a smaller area, body sweat, breathing capacity, and other factors that cause humidity to rise, occur.   Add to this cooking, showering, plants, etc., and breeding of fungi species can proliferate rapidly.
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