Georgia, South Carolina rank among the moldiest states

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A mold treatment company says Georgia ranks the seventh moldiest state in the country – and right across the Savannah River, South Carolina is No. 8.

That’s mainly because of the high humidity and heavy rainfall our area sees.

With humid summer months approaching, doctors here at Memorial Health say it’s more important than ever to be paying attention to any signs of mold in your home, or any symptoms you might be experiencing from that mold.

“Difficulty breathing, sinus problems, persistent headaches,” said Dr. Timothy Connelly.

Those are just some of the symptoms Connelly says you can experience from mold.

“It can cause everything from horrible asthma, and we have people coming to the ER, even today, I’ve admitted somebody with asthma,” said Connelly.

Connelly says as we continue to see higher levels of humidity, he’s seeing even more people coming in with those symptoms.

According to FDP Mold Remediation, a company specializing in treating mold, Georgia is seventh most moldy state in America, neighboring states Florida at No. 1 and South Carolina at No. 8.

The owner of The Mold Girl, an inspection company, said that’s because of the climate.

“The No. 1 cause of mold from, really in hot and humid climates, so all the way from South Carolina to Florida, is high relative humidity, moisture that’s in the air,” said Elizabeth Keefer, Certified Industrial Hygienist.

One of her biggest tips for you is to keep your windows closed, keeping extra humidity out of your house.

She also says it’s important to keep your home’s relative humidity level around 50%.

“Sometimes that means adding a dehumidifier,” said Keefer.

“That really is going to help you set-up for success because you’re lowering the moisture in your air,” Keefer added.

Another tip is to avoid super-steamy showers.

“That will increase your relative humidity to 90-100% immediately,” Keefer said.

To help, she says keep your exhaust fan running during the shower and 10 minutes after you’re done. Keefer says the first thing you should do if you see or smell mold in your home, is call a mold inspection company.

And Connelly says if you notice any symptoms, you should get with your health care provider.

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