Air Quality / Moisture
The typical family produces a lot of moisture indoors through washing, showers, cooking, and even breathing. Moisture generally gravitates downwards into lower levels and because it has nowhere to go it will stagnate and saturate the structure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 study states:
“Occupants in damp or moldy buildings have up to a 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma. Management of indoor moisture requires proper control of temperatures and ventilation to avoid excess humidity, condensation and saturation in materials. Ventilation should be distributed effectively throughout to avoid stagnant air zones.
In 2009 the Surgeon General issued a "call to action to promote healthy homes" that stated that the (poor) quality of indoor air "contributes to cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other illnesses."
HUD cites mechanical ventilation as an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution. To help ensure that the inside air is clean and safe.
The EPA states:
"Unless they are built with means of mechanical ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes."
Basements and crawl spaces are primary sources of moisture. When water permeates through the foundation ground and walls, it will condense on these colder surfaces. Cold surfaces in a house will have condensation when warmer, moist air comes into contact with them. This occurs with cold windows in the wintertime and in the moist summer when warm air comes in contact with cold ducts and pipes.
Building materials may contain excessive moisture (i.e. damp wood, fresh concrete) all of which need to be dried out. New houses are insulated and sealed so well that no fresh air enters in. When homes do not have proper ventilation, the indoor moisture will stagnate, nurturing mold spores and dust mites, saturate the structure and wreak havoc on your home and health. The damage caused by excess moisture can be extremely extensive and costly.
Medical authorities, environmental agencies and home improvement experts agree that unventilated moisture…
- Poses serious long and short term health risks.
- Can cause costly, irreparable property damage.
- Absorbs and retains dangerous pollutants and gases.
- Creates uncomfortable and undesirable living conditions.
With controlled mechanical ventilation as in Humidex, homeowners can be proactive in their approach to protecting their homes and families while enjoying the maintenance free, energy saving, year round benefits for about 10 cents a day.
Take a look at some of the dangerous problems that can result from excess moisture and inadequate ventilation:
