Humidity Bloom: What Is Humidity Bloom And What Causes It

Florida Mold Humidity bloom is when mold grows in a living space. It occurs when indoor relative humidity rises to 60 percent or more for 72 hours. This humidity must be maintained to allow for continued growth. Molds can germinate when the relative humidity is higher than 60 percent. This is known as a mold blossom. These molds can be confused with cobwebs, dirt, foxing or dust.

For the bloom to continue, humidity must be maintained over a prolonged period of time. It takes 72 hours for molds to start to bloom. Molds can germinate when the relative humidity is higher than 60 percent. This is known as a mold bloom. These molds can be confused with cobwebs, dust, dirt and ghosting because they come in many colors.

Active and inactive molds can both have distinctive odors, most people call it musty.

In the initial stages of a bloom, active mold has hair-like filaments within webs. As the bloom matures, the appearance becomes more bushy. Under magnification, this is easier to see. Active mold can be soft and may smear if touched with a fine brush. It can also be slimy or damp.

Inactive mold is dry, powdery, and can seem to be able to brush off materials easily.

Mildew and mold are two terms that describe more than 100,000 species. Mold spores can be found in all parts of the environment. They are usually dormant and do not cause any damage. To become active, spores need moisture. They don’t require light.

Dormant spores can germinate when water or high relative humidity provide the moisture they need to grow fine web-like structures and eventually produce fruiting bodies which release more spores. 60% relative humidity is the minimum requirement for most molds to germinate. Temperature increases can accelerate the growth of active mold.

For mold growth to occur, there are four essential requirements: mold spores must be available, mold food must be available, and temperatures must not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Mold growth will be stopped if any of these things are removed.

Maintaining a mold-free environment in your home will reduce the risk of mold growth. Temperature should range from 74 to 78 degrees F and relative humidity no more than 60%. The air conditioner (HVAC), must be on at all times, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Many serious mold outbreaks are caused by inconsistency or fluctuations in temperature and humidity.