In order to control and prevent house mold, especially toxic black mold, from growing, you need to regulate the level of moisture in your house. Since mold flourishes in high humidity, you need to keep the relative humidity inside low. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a threshold of 60% relative humidity and, therefore, indoor humidity should be maintained below this figure.

Incidentally, if you are not in the U.S., you should check for any variation to that threshold in your part of the world.

Your first step is to measure the level of relative humidity in the house. This is important for two reasons:

1. Obviously, you must know whether the level is above 60% or not so you can decide if anything needs to be done.

2. You must also know where in the house you have a humidity problem as the humidity level in different parts of the house will vary, for example bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, attic, basement, ductwork, wall cavities, etc.

You can easily use a hygrometer (also known as a relative humidity sensor or moisture meter) to measure the humidity level. It does not have to be expensive but, remember, you get what you pay for. I personally prefer the digital version over the analog because it is more accurate and it can also store minimum and maximum relative humidity information which the analog cannot do. One important point is that some hygrometers require calibration before use. Most people prefer to avoid those and choose the models that do not require calibration or maintenance.

So, assuming you are interested in grabbing one of these models for yourself, click here for some of the best available. That way, you will always know what the humidity level inside your house is and stop house mold from taking root indoors.

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An article which appeared in the Washington Post on 1 February 2009 highlights the importance of locating and removing mold from your home.

A jury in Virginia has awarded the Meng family US$ 4.75 million dollars in damages for severe health problems caused by toxic mold found throughout their home. The family does not live in the home anymore.

This is truly a tragic story and should serve as a wake-up call to those who still have doubts about the serious health hazards posed by mold. Here are some of the symptoms that the family suffered:

· Migraines

· Heart palpitations

· Headaches

· Dizziness

· Nosebleeds

· Shortness of breadth

· Memory loss

· Asthma

One thing struck me about this case which is worth mentioning and that is the house was brand new. You don’t normally expect a mold problem in a new house, do you? It seems that’s how the Mengs saw it as well. Even though Mrs. Meng started getting migraines three months after moving into the new home, it was some 15 months later that the husband, Mr. Meng actually tested for and discovered mold.

So, clearly, it seems that you can get a mold problem even though your house may be new. If you have a damp area in your house –whether it is new or not- you’d do well to check it to see if you can spot any evidence of mold growth.

But a word of caution. Unless you know what you’re doing, you should abandon any notion of removing the mold yourself if you do find some. Call a professional or get some training if you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman.

You will find the full story of what happened to the Meng family here.

Update: In a decision which is generating robust debate and dividing opinion, the original jury award of US$ 4.75 million has now been slashed to US$ 1.4 million. The major sticking point is that the judge found that the Mengs had not suffered “permanent injury”. But note that the Mengs still won their case. This thing still has legs: the next step is likely to be the Virginia Supreme Court where the Mengs will be arguing for the original award to be restored. Stay tuned.

Read the full story here, including the  many comments.