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Mold & Musty Odors
Mold spores are an essential part of our natural environment, and are prevalent both indoors and outdoors. They are detrimental in our homes when they cause health issues and structural damage.
Even when exterior water sources are minimized, moisture in the indoor air can build up from poorly vented combustion appliances, showers, cooking, laundry, and breathing. High indoor relative humidity and stagnant air are ideal for mold growth and damp unventilated basements are perfect breeding grounds for mold and musty odors. Just because you don't see mold growing in your home doesn't mean it’s not there. Musty odors are a gaseous byproduct of mold growth, and you may be smelling and breathing them in daily.
Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths when they find the right conditions. They only need a few things to grow and multiply:
- Moisture - Moisture keeps them chemically active.
- Nutrients - Feed on building materials, fabrics, wood, etc. that are saturated.
- Suitable environment - Warm temperature and stagnant air.
Exposure to molds can adversely affect your health by causing allergy symptoms, respiratory difficulties, such as asthma, and other ailments. It can damage the structure of your home by causing wood to rot and beams to buckle. The contents of your home are also at risk of being destroyed by mold.
How badly your house becomes infested with molds and musty odors is determined by a number of factors, including air circulation, possible leaks and amount of organic materials present. Depending on the severity of the problem, mold may be found growing on walls, doors, carpeting, clothes, books, and other items. Mold grows in the form of dark or very white spots. In many cases you can't see it, but you can smell it. If your house smells musty, then molds may be present.
Humidex reduces excess moisture and increases ventilation which deprives mold spores of the nutrients and conditions they need to thrive. Lowering relative humidity and increasing ventilation are the most crucial factors in reducing the favorable environment for indoor mold growth.
“It worked surprisingly well in my friend’s house in drying out a cold damp basement that had a lot of mold and odors, way beyond my expectations . . . I began recommending Humidex to the builders we work with and they’ve been including them for new home buyers . . .” – Read more on our Professional Testimonials page!
Click here for a video of Dr. Herman Sabath discussing the dangers of mold.
