Black Mold Problems in Western Washington Homes

Black Mold Has Significant Negative Health Implications

While the term “toxic mold” isn’t exactly accurate, many molds, including so-called “black mold,” (Stachybotrys spp.) produce toxins that negatively impact human health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Molds grow from spores, which are ubiquitous in our indoor and outdoor environments and become active when conditions are right. Persistent moisture is the biggest factor that causes mold to grow and produce more spores and harmful toxins. Since the proliferation of Stachybotrys depends so strongly on moisture, the best place to begin is to figure out where excess moisture in our homes comes from and how we can mitigate its accumulation.

Where Does Problem Moisture Come From?

Any water-using appliance or fixture, especially ones using or producing hot water, are strong sources of indoor moisture.

• Showers (run the fan!)
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Sinks and tubs
• Unvented combustion sources (gas stoves and space heaters, typically)
• Steam irons

Cooking, too, releases moisture into the air, as does human respiration (moisture is expelled from the lungs and through the skin). When you go outside on a cold day and “see your breath,” you are actually seeing the moisture you exhale every time your lungs fill and empty. If you and your whole family are snug in your warm house with the windows and doors shut all winter, you can see how that might become a problem!

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies eleven common sources of moisture-related issues in buildings (see the entire list here on page 54). A complete discussion of them all is beyond the scope of this article, but we will touch on those related to heating and cooling and how they can be mitigated.

The following are excerpted from that list:

• Plumbing leaks and spills, perhaps resulting from improper design, installation,
  operation or maintenance (e.g. failure to inspect and repair plumbing
  leaks)
• Infiltration of warm, moist outside air through cracks and holes in the enclosure
  during warm, humid weather – which can cause condensation on materials
  that are cooler, because they are part of the air-conditioning system – have
  been cooled by air-conditioned indoor air or are in cool basements or crawl
  spaces
• Exfiltration of warm, moist indoor air through cracks and holes in the enclosure
  during cold weather, which can cause condensation in wall and ceiling
  cavities and attic spaces
• Intentional or accidental vapor barriers in the wrong place, which can lead to
  condensation in the building enclosure
• Unvented or poorly vented sources, such as swimming pools, spas, aquariums,
  dishwashers, combustion devices, kitchens and baths, from which water
  may condense in the building enclosure or, if indoor humidity levels are high
  enough, on materials in the space itself (e.g. ceilings, walls, furniture, cold water
  pipes or air-conditioning air supply diffusers)
• Insufficient dehumidification by HVAC systems,
  which may result in levels of interior humidity that are high enough to
  cause mould to grow on furniture, walls, ceilings or air-conditioning supply
  diffusers
• Poor condensate drainage due to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
  system deficiencies; condensation from cooling coils may overflow drain pans
  or leak from condensate drain lines

Sources of Excess Moisture Vary by Season

In Skagit county, we have four wonderful seasons. Each is defined by a typical air humidity level and temperature range. Our climate determines how we condition our spaces for both our comfort and health in each season. The winter is typically cold and moist, with temperate summers that can vary from dry to humid depending on the prevailing weather pattern.

Many of the conditions experienced in Skagit county can quickly cause an excess of moisture and mold buildup in the home. Here are some tips to avoid mold buildup.

During (or before!) the heating season:

• Install double pane windows (at minimum) or shrink-wrap plastic indoor window covers
• Ensure sufficient indoor/outdoor (fresh) air changes – run fans, open a window or two, or install an ERV/HRV (energy/heat recovery ventilators)
• Maintain enough heat in the space (minimum temperature) to overcome the condensing effect of unabated drafts and cold air leaks

During the cooling season:

• Use a standalone dehumidifier when indoor humidity exceeds 50%
• Ensure careful insulation and encapsulation of cooling lines where they pass through building materials
• Properly installed and intact (functioning) vapor barrier
• Maintain the temperature in a small range rather than large warming and cooling cycles
• Keep condensate drains clear – make sure condensate goes to a sewer drain or outside and away from the building and foundation
• Use a toilet tank insulator kit or plumb warm water (with a mixing valve) to your toilet tank

All seasons:

• Avoid large swings in indoor temperature that alter the ability of indoor air to hold moisture
• Keep indoor humidity under 50% (use an indoor humidity meter (like this one, under $10) to monitor it
• Make sure that you home has good overall insulation
• Be sure you have a properly designed, installed, and intact vapor barrier
• Insulate all exposed or uninsulated cold water pipes – condensation or freeze (and subsequent leak) risk

I’m Feeling Overwhelmed! Help!

This (partial) list of ways that moisture can build up and contribute to harmful black mold growth can be a bit daunting. Sometimes, I feel the same way when I’m struggling with my computer and it just won’t do what I need it to do! I have found the solution, and I think it will help you, too: call a professional.

Alpine Heating and Cooling is not a mold remediation business, but we can come out and take a look at your heating and air conditioning equipment, which is a common source of moisture problems. We’ll make sure it’s properly installed, functioning at top efficiency, and that drains are clear, and lines are insulated. You’ll be ready for whatever mother nature throws at us here in Skagit county.

Give us call or send us an email – we’d love to hear from you.

For even more reading, check out this fantastic publication from the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension called, “Winter Home Moisture Problems.”