Scan4Home - Mold Prevention

Molds are microscopic organisms belonging to the fungus family. They tend to grow when the humidity in the air is high.

Indoor air pollution caused by mold affects several million homes in France. It can lead to severe respiratory conditions such as aspergillosis and is often a contributing factor to asthma and allergies (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, etc.). 

Measuring indoor humidity is the first step in preventing the growth of mold.

What is included in the Scan4Home - Mold Prevention product?

To accurately measure ambient temperature and humidity, Scan4Toxic has selected an electronic sensor.

The front panel of the sensor is made of bamboo for a natural look.

The measurement ranges are:

• -10 to +70°C
• 20 to 99% relative humidity

The sensor is powered by two AAA batteries, which are included.

In which rooms is it important to measure indoor humidity?

Les problèmes d'humidité favorisant le développement des moisissures se manifestent en premier lieu dans les pièces d'eau :

• Bathroom: A shower produces a significant amount of water vapor. Bathrooms are very often affected by fungal growth, such as black streaks around shower grout lines.
• Laundry room: Drying clothes releases several liters of water into the air, promoting the growth of mold.  
• Kitchen: Cooking food generates significant amounts of water vapor in the indoor air.

Bedrooms are also often prone to mold problems because they are the rooms where we spend the most time, and the air we exhale contains significant amounts of water vapor. Furthermore, we sweat, and by early morning, bedding can contain several liters of water. As a result, the air in a bedroom can become saturated with moisture, and without proper ventilation, this can promote the growth and spread of mold.  

What conditions are conducive to mold growth?

Mold needs three things to grow:

• An ambient temperature above 15°C
• Relative humidity above 60%
• A surface for growth: wallpaper, wood, and plaster are surfaces on which mold can grow   

How can you prevent mold from forming and spreading?

Relative humidity is the first factor to address in order to prevent the growth of mold:

• Below 40% relative humidity: Indoor air is considered dry. Mold does not grow, but air that is too dry can irritate the respiratory tract.
• Between 40% and 60% relative humidity: These are ideal conditions for indoor air.
• Above 60% relative humidity: The indoor air is saturated with water vapor at levels conducive to the growth and spread of mold. 

Measuring humidity levels in every room of the home is the first step in identifying which rooms are most at risk for mold growth.

What are the signs of mold growth?

The main signs that may indicate a risk of fungal growth:

• Signs of condensation on windows and surfaces
• Cold walls where water vapor condenses
• Water damage
• A musty or earthy odor
• Black stains on surfaces