Prevent and control mold growth in commercial settings

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following steps to prevent the growth of mold in commercial buildings:

Inspect air vents regularly to prevent mold

• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture problem(s) as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible.
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.

Other helpful tools to combat mold in commercial buildings

Besides airing out the building, ensuring that there is adequate ventilation and using a dehumidifier, a serious air purification system can help extract irritants and chemical mycotoxins out of the air and improve indoor air quality.

An ideal filtration system for the battle against mold combines the strength of three powerful air purification methods: a HEPA filter for particle and dust mite control, a UV lamp to neutralize live bacteria, mold spores and viruses and a deep bed of activated carbon to adsorb as many odorous gases and chemical vapors as possible.

Electrocorp manufactures industrial-strength air cleaning systems for all types of commercial and industrial applications, which can remove a wide range of indoor pollutants from the air. Talk to one of our Air Quality Experts today.