DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 28, 1999 DHSS-DPH15-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Ron Gough Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY BY REDUCING MOISTURE AT HOME
Excess water offers a breeding ground for molds and bacteria
DOVER - Spring showers may be helping more than just the flowers grow this season. Damp or flooded basements, wet carpeting and other sources of excess moisture in the home can create a breeding ground for biological pollutants such as molds, bacteria and viruses.
As part of its "Breathe the Difference" campaign to reduce indoor air pollution, Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of Public Health is tackling 12 indoor pollution sources known as the "Dirty Dozen." This month, the campaign focuses on excess water as a cause of indoor air pollution.
"Wet weather can be the start of an indoor air quality problem if water-damaged furniture, wet carpets, standing water and excess humidity are not addressed," said Gerald Llewellen, Ph.D., Branch Chief for Environmental Health Evaluation, who also heads the indoor air quality initiative for the Division of Public Health. "These conditions are ideal for the growth of molds and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions and infections."
To determine if you have a moisture problem in your home, ask the following questions:
Does your home feel humid? Can you see moisture on the windows or on surfaces such as walls and ceilings? Is the temperature in your home very hot or very cold? Have you experienced water damage? Is your basement damp or wet? Can you see obvious mold or mildew? Is there a musty or moldy odor anywhere in the house? Do you have air conditioners or humidifiers that have not been properly cleaned?
If you've answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you may indeed have an indoor air quality problem relating to excess moisture. Consider the following solutions:
- Remove wet materials. If water-damaged furniture and other materials cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, they should be discarded.
- Remove standing water. It is a breeding ground for microorganisms that can become airborne and be inhaled.
- Fix leaks and seepage. Water in the basement can result from a lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Check for leaks in pipes around tubs and sinks.
- Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces. This will prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Crawl spaces should also be well ventilated.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Fans should vent to the outside, not into the attic. Clothes dryers should also vent to the outside.
- Maintain and clean appliances that come in contact with water. Furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners should be professionally inspected and cleaned.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any type of humidifier or dehumidifier. Empty the tank every day and refill it with fresh water. Dehumidifiers should be emptied daily and cleaned often.
- Remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors and paneling. Mold can resurface if covered with paint, stain, varnish or a moisture-proof sealer.
- Replace moldy shower curtains or remove them and scrub well with a household cleaner and rinse before re-hanging.
- Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation and storm windows. Open doors between rooms and use fans to circulate air.
In addition to excess water, the "Dirty Dozen" of indoor pollutants include: carbon monoxide gas; inadequate maintenance of heating and cooling systems; the lack of housekeeping; things from outside, including radon; chemicals; plants; pests; new materials, including carpet and furniture; tobacco smoke; lead paint dust; and asbestos.
To receive a checklist of simple changes you can make to improve the air quality in your home, call the Division of Public Health at (302) 739-6619 or 1-800-464-4357.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
