Cinnaminson, NJ, May 29th, 2015
In an indoor environment, condensation issues can be a real problem resulting in property damage, mold growth, and the presence of dust mites when caused by high humidity. Dust mites do not drink water, but rather absorb it from air and their environment, which allows them to thrive in warm environments with high humidity. They are a known asthma trigger and many people are allergic to their presence.
Condensation occurs when water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water. There is only so much moisture the air can hold and, if the air is particularly humid, it can take only a slight drop in temperature for condensation to ensue.
When condensation leads to moist building materials and surfaces, mold can begin to grow and expose building occupants to elevated levels of it in the air they breathe. Molds produce allergens, irritants and, in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Mold can also trigger an asthma attack in some people and can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a disease that resembles bacterial pneumonia. Some types of mold are also known to be pathogenic and can be a serious health concern for anyone with a weakened immune system. In addition, mold growing on building materials, furnishing and belongings can ruin and eventually destroy the materials.
“There are steps people can take to reduce humidity levels and condensation from occurring in their home,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These include everything from venting appliances that produce moisture to the outdoors and using air conditioners to making sure the home is properly insulated. For those who suspect they may have these types of problems in their home, EMSL offers moisture meters, hygrometers, humidity data loggers and other specialized instrumentation. The laboratory also offers test kits and analytical services for dust mites and mold as well as other indoor air quality testing services.”
The view any of the test kits offered by EMSL, please visit at: www.EMSLTestKits.com. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about condensation, humidity, dust mites and mold that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/QFG53b38XXk.
To learn more about this or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.