How to Protect Against Mold Growth in the Workplace

Is there mold growing in your workplace? Assuming you work in a building or other closed space, there's probably mold present. Mold is all around us. Consisting of fungal colonies, it quickly spreads in moist and humid environments. While short-term exposure to small concentrations of mold typically won't have any ill effect on your health, you should still strive to avoid mold. How can you protect against mold growth in your workplace exactly?

Circulate the Air

Increasing air circulation in your workplace can protect against mold growth. Little or no air circulation creates an ideal environment for mold. Mold spores will land on surfaces, after which they'll begin to spread. If you discover mold in your workplace, try turning on the fans. Whether overhead or free-standing, fans will blow air throughout your workplace so that it's less susceptible to mold.

Dry Up Spilled Water and Liquids

Another tip to protect against mold growth in the workplace is to dry up spilled water and liquids. Spills are bound to happen sooner or later. Maybe a worker accidentally knocks over a bucket of water, or perhaps a worker cleans a concrete area without drying it thereafter. Regardless, standing pools of water or other liquids will contribute to mold growth.

Mold requires moisture to grow. With spilled water or liquids, there's more moisture to fuel the mold. As long as you dry up spilled water and liquids in a timely manner, though, it shouldn't have the opportunity to grow.

Change the Air Filter

You can protect against mold growth in your workplace by changing the air filter. Most buildings and other indoor workplaces with a central air conditioning system have an air filter. It's a layer of mesh material consisting of thin fibers that's designed to remove pollutants from the air.

Aside from removing dust and dander, though, air filters will also remove mold. Mold spores might be small, but they aren't small enough to pass through a high-efficiency air filter. Of course, you'll need to change your workplace's air filter regularly to protect it from mold growth.

Turn on the Air Conditioner

During the summer, turn on the air conditioning system in your workplace. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioning systems don't just cool the air; they dehumidify it.

Mold requires moisture to grow. If there's moisture in the air, mold will take advantage of it, thus allowing the mold to spread. Turning on the air conditioning system will reduce moisture in the air so that your workplace is better protected against these fungal colonies.