Insulation is synonymous with Indoor Air Quality. It is important to recognize the importance of, and insulation's role in, protecting your home or commercial space from moisture problems that lead to mold and mildew growth. Everybody benefits from IAQ-friendly homes and workplaces, especially those individuals with respiratory ailments like asthma and allergies.

When mold spores land on a wet or damp food source and begin growing, severe health problems can occur. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

In addition to causing numerous ailments, molds can gradually destroy things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

SDI Insulation offers products that are certified for Indoor Air Quality performance. See features on right.