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Humidity, Allergens, & Mildew Growth

Humidity can cause mildew and poor air quality to develop in the residence halls.  The combination of North Carolina's high relative humidity and thermostats set incorrectly can cause the moisture to condense inside the residence halls and create an environment that can foster mildew growth or poor air quality.

To help prevent the growth of mildew and/or poor air quality in your residence hall room, it is essential you do the following:

  • Report any water problems (leaks behind a toilet or under sinks, dripping faucets, wet carpet, leak from a ceiling, moisture under tiles, drips heard behind the air intake cover, etc.) immediately by submitting a maintenance request (using a device registered on the campus network and either a secure campus wifi connection - which will not have 'visitor' anywhere in the network name - or a standard campus wired ethernet connection).
  • If a bath exhaust fan is provided in your living space be sure to turn the fan on when showering and leave on until your shower is over and steam has left the bathroom.
  • Clean your space regularly, including your shower liner.
  • Never allow water to sit on soft surfaces (carpets, towels, sheets, etc.) for long periods of time.
  • During the summer months, never set thermostats below 68°; during winter months never set thermostats above 75°.
  • Limit live plants or have none at all, especially for those who have allergies - if a plant dies remove it as dead/decomposing plants cause air quality issues.
  • Do not leave wet towels or laundry laying around.
  • Do not prop exterior doors.
  • Avoid decorating with cloth items as these may trap and hold moisture and allergens from the air.
  • University Housing policy allows for one 10 gallon fish tank per room.  However, since the additional water does contribute to humidity and moisture issues, we ask that you consider this impact if you choose to have a fish and fish tank.
  • Do not open residence hall windows while heating or cooling units are operating.  This will cause condensation and may contribute to mildew growth or poor air quality.
  • If you see mildew or have problems breathing in the building, submit a maintenance request.

Tips for Allergy Sufferers

North Carolina's location, coupled with the trees on campus, can cause issues for those sensitive to pollen and other allergens and even for some that may have never suffered from allergies before.  If you experience sensitivity, as with all health concerns, please seek the assistance of Student Health Services and/or your health care provider.  Below are also some suggestions to help cope during the high pollen seasons in this area.

  • If medication has been prescribed to reduce your sensitivity, follow the instructions of your doctor and/or medical personnel.
  • Track the pollen count at http://www.pollen.com and on the days that the count is high try to stay indoors whenever possible.
  • Keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible to reduce the number of allergens entering your apartment or residence hall room.
  • Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce the number of allergens that may have hitchhiked into your space on you or your roommate's shoes or clothes.
  • If you find that you are extremely sensitive you may want to invest in a HEPA Filter vacuum to capture as many allergens as possible.
  • Instead of tossing your book bag or clothes worn outside on your bed, place them on removable hooks or non-porous surfaces to prevent spreading allergens to your sleeping area.  It is also advisable to launder your book bag occasionally to remove allergens.
  • Consider showering and washing your hair before going to bed to also avoid introducing allergens to your bed linens.
  • Additionally, if you remain highly sensitive to allergens, you may consider investing in an air purifier for your area to remove as many allergens as possible from the air.

Information created with help from Elon University, Office of Residence Life

Aug 18, 19