Abstract
Mold growth, one of the most severe hazards to soil ruins in humid regions, is often caused by a favorable hygrothermal environment, that is, high relative air humidity (RH) with a suitable temperature and other environmental variables. It was reported that no mold growth occurs in buildings when RH is less than 70%, and mold grows more easily and quickly as humidity increases (Sedlbauer, 2001). The characteristics of mold growth under extremely high humidity conditions remain elusive. In our previous research, samples from the Wenzhou Qiaolou soil ruin were used to estimate the effects of ventilation and lighting modes on mold growth. On that basis, subsequent experiments and analysis were conducted to assess the relationship between mold growth, and RH and lighting modes. In the experiments, six sets of initially wet samples were placed in artificial lighting or dark conditions with different RH to evaluate the characteristics of mold growth under extremely high humidity conditions. We found that extremely high humidity with a condensation environment had a significantly inhibitory effect on mold growth compared with the humidity range (94%–99%) favorable for it. Observations with the microscope conducted to understand the moisture condition of the sample surface confirmed a possibility that the reduction or isolation of oxygen under very high RH conditions with condensation caused this result. This paper provides basic knowledge regarding the characteristics of mold growth in an extremely high humidity environment, and is practically useful for methods of inhibition of mold growth in a high-humidity environment.
Highlights
Dispersion of fungi spores and development of its colony lead to human health risks and degradation of buildings
The air cavity area consists of 5 cells, named by code ‘A’ - ‘E’ from the indoor side to the outdoor side (Fig. 6 b))
The measured results showed the building walls have been exposed to high relative humidity for a long period during hot seasons, favorable conditions for mould growth
Summary
Dispersion of fungi spores and development of its colony lead to human health risks and degradation of buildings. Air leakage through air cavity of the building walls, such as gaps between walls and some pipes penetrating the walls, produces severe hygrothermal exchange, altering the temperature and humidity distribution of the wall. It may promote condensation and mould growth in hot and humid climates. The monitored room is on the ground floor, with a window facing south to the outdoor, and connected to the indoor-corridor on the north It had been used as an office for years and severe mould smell was felt. They recorded the air temperature and relative humidity every 30 minutes
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