Mold & Moisture Monitoring for US Rental Properties

A Growing Health Emergency

According to the CDC, mold exposure is linked to 4.6 million asthma cases annually in the United States. The Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence linking indoor mold exposure to upper respiratory symptoms, asthma symptoms, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Research suggests removing mold from homes can reduce asthma symptoms by 25% to 45%.

Health Impacts

The EPA reports that indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, with mold being a significant contributor. Mold-related infections cost the US healthcare system an estimated $19 billion annually. Children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to mold-related health issues.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health examined the economic costs of allergic rhinitis, acute bronchitis, and asthma from exposure to indoor dampness and mold, highlighting the substantial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.

Why the Problem is Growing

• Aging housing stock: Over 50% of US rental housing was built before 1980, with older buildings more prone to moisture intrusion, inadequate ventilation, and plumbing failures.
• Climate change: Increasing humidity and extreme weather events create more opportunities for water intrusion and moisture problems in buildings across all regions.
• Energy-efficient construction: Tighter building envelopes designed to reduce energy costs can trap moisture inside, creating ideal conditions for mold growth without proper ventilation management.
• Housing affordability crisis: With 21 million renter households spending more than 30% of income on housing, maintenance and repairs are often deferred, allowing moisture problems to worsen.