Source: Great American Environmental Division, May 2013
During recent interior room renovations at a highly rated senior assisted living facility, mold contamination was encountered on the surface and behind vinyl wall coverings. After inspection of over 35 rooms, the cause was determined to he increased humidity levels brought on by occupants opening windows and allowing humid outside air to mix with air conditioned room air creating excessive levels of humidity. The vinyl wall covering acted as a vapor barrier, causing the walls behind to become impregnated with mold. The cost to remediate and perform indoor air quality monitoring was $150,000.