Damp environments, poorly maintained HVAC systems & carpeting may contribute to poor IAQ

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) - Damp environments, poorly maintained heating & air-conditioning systems & carpeting may contribute to poor indoor air quality "If there was just one thing I could do to fix buildings, it would be to change the relative humidity," said Doug Garrett, CEM, CDSM, building scientist and president of Building Performance and Comfort, Leander, Texas. "Moisture leads to conditions that are conducive to dust mites and mold, as well as bacteria, yeast and other living organisms." Garrett pointed to dust mites and mold as particularly worrisome. A damp building with high humidity may lead to increased levels of dust mites and mold, leading to increased allergic respiratory symptoms, as well as the worsening of asthma. And even if someone is not allergic, molds may produce mycotoxins and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that smell bad and may cause respiratory irritation, he said.