Mold is often found after renovation work and can pose a health risk. Depending on the mold infestation and health sensitivity, allergic reactions or infections can be triggered. The formation should therefore be treated professionally without delay. In order to localize the spread and concentration, it is advisable to take samples with the GSA measuring devices SG5200 to measure the mould.
Development of mold
Mold spores are a natural component that is permanently present in the air and usually adhere to dust particles. Under certain conditions, they can cause many problems and, for example, massively infest walls, floors, wood and other building components. The typical musty smell of mold is often noticeable in the room air when there is a large infestation. Molds grow in a circular pattern, with their spores developing into a substrate of so-called filamentous structures (mycelium) up to the tips, forming circular mold growths. These feed on fats, proteins and carbohydrates as well as other organic molecules. These are found, for example, in wall paints, fabrics, wood and other materials.
In the event of mold infestation, the building fabric becomes too damp. This formation may be due to the nature of the building components or the behavior of the occupant, who does not ventilate their living space properly. This is often known to be the most common cause of mold growth.
Mold can develop in old buildings as well as in new buildings and after renovations if too much moisture with heat is deposited on the cool wall surfaces and condenses. A relative humidity of around 70% on the surface of the material is sufficient to provide the right conditions for this to occur. Condensation generally settles on the coldest parts of the building fabric. Causes for the formation of dew or condensation are too high relative room humidity or too cold room air or surface temperatures. Mold often forms on wall corners and window frames.
Mold after renovation
After renovation work on old buildings, undesirable mold growth often occurs, as the insulation can prevent the necessary air exchange, especially with new insulation. Damage with mold growth can occur if dew points have not been properly calculated or the work has not been carried out professionally. Mold often develops in these areas, especially in the corners of rooms and on window frames and areas.
Complete renovation of old buildings – causes of mold growth
The most common cause of mold growth is the impermeable, i.e. vapor diffusion-proof, old paint on the façade, which has not been removed and therefore the moisture developing inside can no longer escape and diffuse to the outside.
Insulation in window areas and walls – causes of mold growth
A common cause of mold growth on adjacent components such as windows and walls is the temperature difference between the walls heated by insulation and the window surfaces, which remain cool. This creates a thermal bridge where adjacent components meet directly and have different thermal resistance values. With tightly sealed windows and insulation, more ventilation is required to reduce the accumulation of room humidity.
With all forms of mold growth, proper ventilation is necessary to reduce the high humidity and bring it back down to a low level and keep it there.
Health risks due to mold
Irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes as well as allergic reactions occur most frequently from molds. Molds can also lead to infections and poisoning . Elderly people, children and people with chronic pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk from contact with mold spores.
To date, it has not been clarified at what concentration the molds can have negative health effects. The “precautionary principle” therefore applies because molds are a hygiene problem. They should be removed before they can cause illness. A professional procedure, for example, is to measure mold accurately using suitable measuring devices to identify areas of mold spores.
Prevention against mold
In general, correct heating and correct ventilation counteract the spread of mold. Proper ventilation includes airing rooms several times a day, especially in heavily insulated buildings. In addition, too much moisture, such as over 70% humidity, especially in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, should be removed regularly. If the actual causes of mold infestation remain unrecognized – renewed infestation can be expected. In addition to proper ventilation, heating is also important to prevent the interior from cooling down too much and to prevent mold from spreading due to too much humid air.
Treating mold infestation
It is important to note that spores should not be stirred up by vacuum cleaners or sweepers when removing small amounts of mold, as these can then be inhaled. When using so-called chemical “clubs” such as mold removers, gloves should be used and handled with care, as the chemical substances can damage the respiratory tract. Another alternative is high-proof, 70% – 80% alcohol for the treatment of moldy surfaces. Gloves should also be worn here. In many cases, mold removal must be carried out by specialist companies with the appropriate training, such as painting and restoration companies.
Measuring mold with GSA measuring devices SG5200
GSA measuring devices SG5200 for mold measurement
With the GSA measuring devices SG5200 can also be used to measure the invisible spread of mold. This measuring device can be used for both mobile and stationary applications. In addition to measuring mold, it is also suitable for sampling dust fractions such as A-dust and E-dust, gases, fumes and for fibre measurements. The SG5200 is easy to use and ideal for measuring mold in living areas and workplaces.
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Image source: 123rf.com © janadjana, image no. 195195975
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