How to Reduce Mold and Humidity in the Rainy Season?

Created By RISC | 1 year ago

Last modified date : 1 year ago

Mold grows in damp environments, especially during the rainy season, and can cause problems in many homes.​

Mold typically grows on walls, floors, and in the corners of rooms due to moist air and surfaces frequently exposed to water by leaking roofs, windows, or pipes. Once mold has grown, spores travel to other locations with the wind, water, or animals. Mold should therefore be removed as soon as possible before it can spread to other materials or harm our health. Mold can affect respiratory system, causing nasal congestion, irritation, coughing. It’s especially risky for people with allergies, young children, and the elderly.​

Here are some crucial considerations for preventing and eliminating mold in the home during rainy or humid weather:​
• Ventilation: Let clean air enter and mix with indoor air to reduce humidity, including the use of fans to promote air circulation in the house.​
• Dehumidifier: In humid places such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, the relative humidity of the air should be kept below 50% to prevent the risk of mold.​
• Cleaning: Clean the house on a regular basis, especially in humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Also clean furniture, beds, and air conditioners on a regular basis to avoid mold growth in various areas.​
• Using anti-fungal agents: Apply anti-fungal agents to walls or areas where mold is likely to grow. Choose anti-fungal wall paint to reduce mold growth on the surface.​
• Choose materials that do not absorb moisture: Moisture tends to grow in bathroom areas in particular. To reduce moisture, choose a carpet that dries rapidly and avoid thick carpets that dry slowly.​
• Leak inspection: Inspect the roof, walls, floor, and plumbing system for leaks on a regular basis. Leaks should be corrected as soon as they are discovered to minimize moisture accumulation in the material, which produces mold.​

Mold prevention and monitoring in the home should be done on a regular basis, especially during the rainy season, to keep the house free of mold and safe for health.​

Story by Phetcharin Phongphetkul, Sustainable Designer/ LEED®AP BD+C, WELLTM AP,Fitwel Ambassador, ActiveScore AP, TREES-A NC, RISC ​

References:​
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 14). You can control mold. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/control_mold.htm​
ThaiHealth Official (10 June 2016). https://www.thaihealth.or.th/?p=258197