California Homes with Condensation Issues or Elevated Humidity Levels Could Encounter Indoor Environmental Quality Concerns

Most people experience condensation in their homes each day; whether it’s the fog on the mirror after taking a shower or the water droplets on a cold beverage, these are everyday examples. Condensation happens when water vapor in the air converts into liquid water. This occurs because 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 occur.

Condensation can cause issues in an indoor environment, which can result in property damage over time and support the growth of mold. When condensation is associated with high indoor humidity levels, dust mites could start to appear. Dust mites absorb water from the air and their environment which allow them to thrive in warm environments with high humidity. The presence of dust mites can act as an asthma trigger for some people with the condition and many are allergic.

If condensation results in moist building materials and surfaces, mold can begin to grow, exposing building occupants to elevated levels of mold in the air. Mold can act as an allergen, respiratory irritant, and in some cases, produce 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 of serious concern for anyone with a weakened immune system. In addition, mold growing on building materials, furnishing and belongings can ruin and eventually destroy those materials.

“Reducing condensation and elevated humidity levels in a home or other structure can benefit building occupants and create a more comfortable indoor environment,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Some simple steps to achieve this include bathroom ventilation, laundry rooms and appliances that produce moisture to the outdoors. The use of air conditioners and making sure the home or building is properly insulated will help.”

Those who suspect they may have these types of problems in their home or office can turn to LA Testing for answers. They offer laboratory services and easy-to-use test kits for dust mites, mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. LA Testing also provides moisture meters, hygrometers, humidity data loggers and other specialized IEQ monitoring instruments. The testing experts have sponsored an educational video about condensation, humidity, dust mites and mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/QFG53b38XXk.

To learn more about this or other indoor environmental quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To obtain IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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LA Testing

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