Dampness and Mould - WHO guidelines for indoor air quality - PRWeb

MOISTURE CONTROL AND VENTILATION
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to clean when contaminated. Heavy wall-to-wall carpeting is a risk factor in a
humid climate.
Indoor air dehumidification can be used, in which dehumidified air is circulated
through a cooling coil, where water is condensed and drained. After cooling
and dehumidification, the air can be heated with the same device back to
room temperature. These devices are particularly useful for temporary applications.
From the standpoint of energy use, it is important that air be dehumidified
to a relative humidity not much lower than the limit value for the growth of mites
(45%).
The main methods for preventing moisture in buildings are summarized in
Figure 8.
3.10 Conclusions and recommendations
While microbial growth and health outcomes are consequences, their common
denominator is undesired moisture behaviour (i.e. excess moisture in building
assemblies or on surfaces). The reasons for the presence of mould and mites are
the same all over the world, but the methods of control may differ. Water intrusion,
dampness and moisture-related phenomena are not only harmful for
Figure 8. Controlling moisture through building design and construction
(1) Drain rainwater and
5
3
surface water from near
the building. (2) Drain
13
the foundations with
an underground pipe.
4
9
(3) Install a tilted (rather
11 than a flat) roof in wet
10
climates. (4) Install eaves
to protect walls from
rain. (5) Install watertight
6
piping penetrating
8
the roof. (6) Install good
ventilation, especially
1
7
in bathrooms, laundry
1
rooms and kitches.
2
12 (7) Install watertight,
sloping floors with floor
drains in wet-process
rooms. (8) Prevent condensation on walls and windows. (9) Install vapour barriers in walls. (10)
Use good, watertight window construction, including window sills. (11) Drain rainwater from
the roof. (12) Protect against frost when applicable. (13) Ventilate attics and crawl spaces when
applicable.