Humidity, moisture key to controlling mold Published June 11, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Keith James 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- With summer right around the corner and the temperatures rising, it's always important to remember to be cautious and aware of mold growth here on Okinawa. Okinawa's tropical climate and environment is perfect for the growth and spread of mold. Mold can grow everywhere, to include homes and workplaces. If not controlled or left unattended, mold can become a health concern. Mold includes several types of fungi that grow on surfaces and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Neither plant nor animal, fungi are simple aerobic organisms and unlike plants they lack chlorophyll and survive by digesting plant materials, using plants and other organic materials for food. There are more than 100,000 species of mold which live in the soil, on plants and dead decaying matter. "Mold exist everywhere; it's naturally there to breakdown things as they decay," said Staff Sgt. Tony Baker, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician. There are four critical requirements for mold to grow which are mold spores, mold food, appropriate temperatures and considerable moisture. Eliminating any one of these items will prohibit mold from growing. Mold is most likely to grow where there is water or dampness. Common sites for indoor mold include basement walls, bathrooms, and windows. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, and condensation due to high humidity, plumbing issues, heavy rain and faulty humidification systems. "Mold needs water to live, so in very dry places mold is scarce or doesn't grow at all, so controlling humidity and moisture is the key to controlling mold," Baker said. According to Maj. Andrew Wagner, Detachment 3, Analytical Laboratory, mold has the potential to affect your health in two different ways; through allergic responses or disease. Mold produces allergens, irritants, and in some cases toxins and the symptoms from coming in contact with mold depend on the types of molds present, the extent of an individual exposure, age, and the individual's sensitivities. The most common way for people to be exposed to mold is through inhalation of airborne spores and pieces of the mold. "The military civil engineering offices on Okinawa, the Kadena Family Housing office, your medical providers and preventative medicine experts take this very seriously," said Maj. Wagner. "They want you to understand that the first line of defense in your homes and workplace against mold is you, the occupant." Some tips and good preventive measures to combating mold are maintaining indoor humidity below 60 percent, performing regular inspections for condensation and wet spots, fixing sources of moisture problems as soon as possible, regular vacuuming and mopping to remove household dirt and debris which contribute to mold growth, cleaning and dusting on a regular basis, using environmentally safe household cleaners and ensuring heating, ventilation and air conditioning drain pans are cleaned and free flowing. For mold issues on base contact: Housing Maintenance for assistance: DSN 634-4663(HOME) Bioenvironmental Engineering at Kadena Air Base: DSN 634-4752 To learn more about molds visit these sites: Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/mold facts.htm Environmental Protections Agency: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html (Editor's note: Information in this article was provided by DET 3 USAFSAM, 18th bioenvironmental office, and Kadena housing office.)