ASHRAE's Call to Action for Mold Prevention

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Subject: ASHRAE: Implement Preventative Plans to Control Mold

For Release:

May 18, 2005

Contact: Jodi Dunlop

Public Relations

678-539-1140

jdunlop@...

1791 Tullie Circle NE

Atlanta, GA 30329

ASHRAE: Implement Preventative Plans to Control Mold

ATLANTA - Due to the proliferation of mold in buildings, sound moisture

management should take precedence over energy cost savings, according to a

new position document from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating

and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Energy conservation goals may conflict with moisture management

goals. In fact, traditional methods of dehumidification, such as reheat

systems, may increase energy use, Ron Vallort, ASHRAE president, said.

" Considering energy conservation and moisture management goals in

the design, construction, operation and maintenance of HVAC systems can

minimize energy use and cost, " he said. " However, the impact of mold

proliferation suggests that energy cost savings should not be achieved at

the expense of sound moisture management. "

Minimizing Indoor Mold Through Management of Moisture in Building

Systems outlines ASHRAE's position on the management

of moisture in buildings by describing issues related to the topic and

highlighting resources available through the Society regarding the

management of moisture and mold in buildings.

The document recommends that for proper moisture management include:

* Building envelopes, penetrations and building systems be designed

and built to protect the indoor environment and the building materials from

water infiltration or accumulation.

* Building and system design consider internal or exterior moisture

that could cause condensation on surfaces or within materials.

* Building and system design, operation and maintenance provide for

drying of surfaces and materials prone to moisture accumulation under normal

operating conditions.

* Building and system design, operation and maintenance provide for

water management of surfaces and materials that are expected to have

moisture present.

* Mechanical system design should properly address ventilation air.

* Building and system design, construction and operation take into

account occupant uses.

* Each building have an operation and maintenance plan.

* The sequence of operation for the HVAC system contain appropriate

provisions to manage humidity, control pressurization and monitor critical

conditions.

* Moisture accumulation be investigated in a timely manner and steps

be taken to identify and control the course of water.

The position document, Minimizing Indoor Mold Through Management of

Moisture in Building Systems, can be downloaded for free via the " position

documents " shortcut on ASHRAE.org.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000

persons. Its sole objective is to advance through research, standards

writing, publishing and continuing education the arts and sciences of

heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve the

evolving needs of the public.

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