UCSD Blink: Indoor Environment: Preventing Indoor Mold Growth

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Indoor Environment: Preventing Indoor Mold Growth

Summary: Learn how to recognize and correct moisture problems to prevent indoor mold growth.

Controlling moisture and humidity is key to indoor mold growth prevention. As long as moisture and oxygen are present, molds can grow on any organic material, including food, wood, paper, carpet, walls, ceilings, and insulation.

What to do		How to do it
	Control indoor moisture.	Prevent indoor mold growth by controlling indoor moisture: Watch for condensation and wet spots on walls, ceilings, and floors. Maintain relatively low indoor humidity. Increase ventilation to decrease humidity and reduce condensation. Dehumidifiers and insulation can help moderate indoor humidity. Vent moisture-producing rooms and equipment to the outdoors (e.g., showers and laundry facilities). Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers when needed. Switch on the ventilation fan when taking a shower. Researchers, environmental rooms are engineered to control temperature and humidity levels. Because they are designed with limited or no mechanical ventilation, it's important to practice good housekeeping to prevent mold and mildew growth. Read Safe Use of Environmental Rooms for more information. Make sure outdoor irrigation and rain water drains away from foundations to protect ground floors and below-grade rooms from dampness or water intrusion. Slope the ground away from the foundation and install drainage, as needed. Stop leaks and address water intrusion promptly. Dry or remove water-damaged materials within 48 hours to prevent mold formation.
	Report water damage or mold formation immediately.	Report leaks and ventilation problems immediately to the appropriate location. Also see How to Respond to Indoor Floods. Campus and SIO facilities: Facilities Management Customer Relations Service Referral Desk, (858) 534-2930 Hillcrest Medical Center: Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (619) 543-6454 Student Housing: Housing Maintenance, (858) 534-2600 Thornton Hospital: Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (858) 657-6400