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Causes of Building Dampness that Can <br /> Allow Mold to Grow <br /> The dampness that is necessary for indoor mold to x '" <br /> grow can come from either inside or outside a <br /> building. <br /> Indoor sources include: <br /> • leaking or burst water pipes, for instance under <br /> sinks inside walls <br /> • not enough venting to the outside by open <br /> windows or exhaust fans in places where water is <br /> used or moisture is produced (for example, <br /> bathrooms, laundry areas, kitchens, and water <br /> heaters) <br /> • condensation (water droplets) on cold surfaces, <br /> including windows <br /> Outdoor sources include: <br /> • water coming in through leaky roofs or <br /> poorly-sealed windows, or from flooding - -. <br /> • damp, exposed dirt in crawl spaces <br /> • outdoor surfaces that slope and drain water <br /> toward a building, including from a downspout <br /> Fixing Dampness and Mold Problems <br /> The California Health &Safety Code (HSC §17920.3) says that when dampness or visible mold (or <br /> certain other conditions) in a home is a hazard to the health of occupants,the home is <br /> substandard and the property owner must fix the conditions.The Code excludes mold that is <br /> "minor and found on surfaces that accumulate moisture as part of their properly functioning and <br /> intended use." <br /> CDPH recommends fixing dampness and mold problems as follows: <br /> • identifying and correcting the source of any water that may allow mold to grow <br /> • rapid drying or removal of damp materials <br /> • cleaning or removing mold and moldy materials as rapidly and safely as possible <br /> Note: if a moldy area is simply bleached, cleaned, or painted over—without fixing the source of <br /> the dampness—the mold is likely to grow again. <br /> •)CDPH <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br />