Vinyl wallpaper 50% up the wall from floor. Vinyl helps trap moisture.

A healthy indoor environment is important to you and your family. Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, fungi, viruses, dust mites, pollen, spores, animal dander, cat saliva and cockroach dander. A healthy environment includes keeping the air free of biological contamination, which cause health problems. These contaminants are called bioaerosols and are extremely small living organisms or fragments of living things suspended in the air. Pollens originate from plants; people and animals transmit viruses; people, animals, and soil and plant debris carry bacteria; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. Contaminated air handling systems easily become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, fungi, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can distribute these contaminants.

By controlling the relative humidity level in a building, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. First identify and correct moisture problems. A relative humidity level of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for buildings. Water damaged materials, wet surfaces or standing water serve as breeding grounds for molds, mildews, bacteria and insects. Dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments; they eat human and pet skin (dander) as it is shed. Dust mites live in rugs, carpets sheets, mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture. Up to 15% of people are allergic to dust mites. Mold and mildew originate from spores, which exist in the air around you. As spores settle with the right condition they form colonies, if enough colonies form they are visible to the eye. These colonies release spores and toxic chemicals called mycotoxins into the air. These biological contaminants can cause severe health problems and possible death. By controlling these contaminants you can reduce the likelihood of sick building syndrome and the health effects associated with it.

Air conditioning equipment, humidifier reservoirs, dehumidifier drip pans, toilets, ice machines, showerheads, traps, water damaged building materials and crawl spaces are some common breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus. By reducing the water infiltration and humidity in buildings indoor environmental quality can improve your health and reduce sick time, production and overall attitude. Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air at a given temperature. Humidity fluctuates in your home, depending on how warm or cool the air is indoors, how many moisture producing activities i.e.: drying clothes, humidifiers, showers are taking place, whether there are constant source of water intrusions i.e. roof leaks, crawl space standing water, foundation leaks and floods.

By maintaining relative humidity below 50%, you reduce problems with dust mites, mold, bacteria and mildew. Never humidify indoor air relative humidity level higher than 50 percent. A steam vaporizer or warm mist humidifier are less likely to cause problems if maintained properly. If you find visible mold or mildew first identify and eliminate the water intrusion. Ensure bathrooms are vented outside. Remove debris from rain gutters and drain pipes. Clean mold and mildew with 10% chlorine bleach and 90% water solution. Extremely moldy materials need to be disposed. Change filters on a regular scheduled program. Inspect the heating and cooling system ductwork for dirt, signs of mold and mildew, loose insulation, leaks and signs of condensation. If you continue to have mold problems, consult an indoor air quality professional for indoor air quality testing.