- Mold and mildew can cause serious health risks for those exposed to it.
- Signs of mold and mildew growth include discoloration on walls or ceilings.
- Humidity levels should be kept between 30-50% relative humidity.
- Proper ventilation and regular cleaning and disinfecting are essential for preventing mold and mildew growth.
- Use air purifiers, repair leaks immediately, and keep storage areas dry to discourage mold and mildew from taking hold of your commercial space.
Mold and mildew can cause significant damage to your commercial space if left unchecked. Not only can it cause structural damage, but it can also create a hazardous environment for your employees or customers. This blog post will give tips on preventing mold and mildew buildup in your commercial space.
Understanding Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are both fungi that can grow in any moist environment, including commercial spaces. They’re often found in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and other areas where there is a lot of moisture or standing water. Understanding the dangers associated with mold and mildew buildup is essential because it can cause serious health risks for those exposed to it. Here’s a brief look at what causes mold and mildew growth, how to identify it, and the steps you should take if you detect it in your commercial space.
Identifying Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold spores can be present even when you cannot see them. To identify whether you have an issue with mold or mildew growth in your space, look for signs such as discoloration on walls or ceilings; musty odors; wet spots on carpets or floors; peeling paint; stains on walls; and patches of fuzzy stuff growing on surfaces. If you suspect mold or mildew in your space, don’t hesitate to call a professional who can inspect the area for further signs of contamination.
Dangers of Mold and Mildew Exposure
Breathing in mold spores can cause allergies, asthma-like symptoms, irritation to the eyes/nose/throat, skin rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, fever-like symptoms, difficulty breathing (in severe cases), and more. People with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to serious health problems caused by exposure to mold spores. It is crucial to take immediate action once you identify the presence of mold or mildew in your commercial space so that no one is exposed to these health risks.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
The best way to prevent mold and mildew is by stopping it before it starts. This means making sure that the environment in your commercial space is not conducive to such growth. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, pipes, roofing, insulation, and other areas is vital as these are all familiar sources of moisture. Here are some additional tips you can use:
Humidity Control
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, so controlling humidity levels in the air is essential. You should monitor humidity levels daily using a hygrometer if possible. The ideal range is between 30-50% relative humidity (RH). If RH levels are higher than this range, a dehumidifier may be needed to help reduce the air’s moisture.
Some commercial spaces ensure that ASTM F3010-13, a standard of ASTM International, is met to prevent mold and mildew growth. ASTM F3010-13 sets out the requirements for controlling humidity throughout a building and providing guidance on adequately installing insulation materials.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is also important in preventing mold and mildew growth. Make sure that your space is well-ventilated, with the majority of air coming from outside the building. This will help reduce humidity levels as well as improve air quality overall. Try to open windows when possible and take the time to inspect air ducts for signs of mold or mildew.
Cleaning & Disinfecting
If you notice any signs of mold or mildew growth—such as discoloration on walls or musty odors—you should address them immediately with professional cleaning services if necessary. Cleaning products specifically designed for mold removal can help remove visible signs of growth while disinfectants will help kill bacteria that may be present in the area. Keep in mind that bleach does not always kill mold spores; consult with an expert if you need help deciding which product will work best for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Mold and mildew can cause significant damage to your commercial space if left unchecked. However, there are several things you can do to prevent their growth. By keeping the humidity levels low, cleaning regularly, repairing leaks immediately, using an air purifier, and keeping storage areas dry, you’ll make it much harder for mold and mildew to take hold of your commercial space!
