Respiratory health

Humidity, mold and indoor air in Florida homes

2 min read

In Southwest Florida, we spend a lot of time indoors with the air conditioning on. That makes indoor air quality a big part of lung health, especially for people with allergies or asthma.

Humidity is the root issue

Mold and dust mites love moisture. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. In Florida, that takes some effort.

Buy an inexpensive hygrometer to measure humidity at home.
Run your air conditioning consistently. Turning it off for long stretches lets humidity build up.
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas if needed.
Run bathroom fans during and after showers, and kitchen fans while cooking.

Mold: what to look for

A musty smell
Visible spots on walls, ceilings, grout or around windows and AC vents
Water stains or ongoing leaks

Fix the source of moisture first; cleaning mold without stopping the water means it will come back. The EPA suggests that small areas (under about 10 square feet) can usually be cleaned by homeowners with detergent and water while wearing gloves and a mask. Larger areas, or mold in your AC system, call for a professional. After hurricanes and flooding, follow official cleanup guidance; wet drywall and insulation often need to be removed.

Your AC system is your air filter

Use a good-quality filter, often rated MERV 8 to 13 if your system can handle it (check with your HVAC technician).
Change filters on schedule, often every 1 to 3 months.
Have the system serviced yearly, including the drain line and coils.

Other indoor air sources

Smoke and vaping: keep your home smoke-free.
Gas stoves: use the range hood, vented outdoors if possible.
Cleaning products and air fresheners: choose fragrance-free products and ventilate while cleaning.
Dust mites: wash bedding weekly in hot water and consider allergen-proof covers.
Generators: never run them indoors or in a garage. See Carbon monoxide poisoning.

Portable air purifiers

A HEPA air purifier sized for the room can reduce particles such as pollen, dust and smoke. Avoid "ozone generator" purifiers; ozone irritates the lungs.

This article is for general education, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health, and call 911 in an emergency. Questions about hyperbaric sessions? Get in touch.