A family in Guangdong, China, discovered that frequent illnesses and poor sleep were linked to hidden mold in their rented home. After several days of rain, mold appeared beneath the wall covering. Once the family moved out, their sleep and overall comfort improved.
This experience highlights an important indoor air quality problem: damp homes can support mold growth, and prolonged exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs. Mold can also trigger allergies and worsen asthma symptoms.
How Mold Affects Indoor Air Quality
Mold releases spores and other particles into the air. When people breathe them in, they may experience sneezing, coughing, or nasal congestion.
Other possible effects include watery or itchy eyes, skin irritation or rashes, and throat and lung irritation. Mold exposure may also worsen asthma or allergic reactions.
People with asthma, allergies, weakened immune systems, or other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to mold exposure. Severe mold infections are uncommon but can be serious, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Where Mold Hides at Home
Mold is not limited to visible wall corners. It can also grow in bathroom corners, tile joints, shower curtains, and sealants.
Other common hiding places include refrigerator door seals and food storage areas, washing machine drums and rubber seals, wooden or bamboo cutting boards, and furniture backs, wardrobes, fabrics, and damp wall coverings.
Mold grows more easily when moisture remains high. The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%, while the CDC advises keeping it no higher than 50% whenever possible.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
1. Improve Ventilation and Control Humidity
Open windows when outdoor air is dry and comfortable. During rainy or humid weather, use a dehumidifier or the dehumidification function of an air conditioner.
For homes that require continuous fresh air and better humidity management, an Energy Recovery ventilator can improve indoor air exchange.
The Airwoods AV-TTW3E Energy Recovery Ventilator is designed to support healthier indoor ventilation while recovering energy from exchanged air.
2. Clean Damp Areas Regularly
Remove dust, dirt, food residue, and standing water. Clean bathrooms, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen surfaces, and drainage areas regularly.
Spoiled food should be discarded promptly. Cutting boards, cookware, and dishes should be washed and dried thoroughly after use.
3. Remove Mold Safely
Do not wipe mold with a dry cloth, as this may spread spores into the air. Use a damp cloth or suitable disinfectant according to the product instructions.
Wear gloves and a mask during cleaning, and keep the area well ventilated. Items such as books, clothing, and bedding should be dried quickly after becoming damp. Sunlight, a dryer, or a suitable heater can help prevent prolonged moisture exposure.
For large or recurring mold problems, especially in rental properties, professional inspection and remediation may be necessary. Reducing moisture at the source is the most effective long-term solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can mold in a rental home affect health?
Damp homes can support mold growth, and prolonged exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs. Mold can also trigger allergies and worsen asthma symptoms.
What indoor humidity level helps prevent mold?
The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%, while the CDC advises keeping it no higher than 50% whenever possible.
What is the best long-term way to control mold?
The most effective long-term solution is to reduce moisture at the source, improve ventilation, and clean or remove mold safely before it spreads.