What effect does high humidity have on indoor air quality?

High humidity significantly impacts indoor air quality, primarily because it can lead to mold growth. When the humidity level in indoor environments rises above 60%, it creates optimal conditions for mold spores to thrive. Mold not only affects the structural integrity of a building but also poses health risks to occupants, including allergies, respiratory problems, and other health issues. This is why maintaining appropriate humidity levels is essential for ensuring a healthy indoor environment.

While high humidity does promote evaporation (in certain contexts) and can impact temperature perceptions, these factors do not directly relate to indoor air quality in the same critical way that mold growth does. Additionally, high humidity generally decreases energy efficiency because it makes cooling systems work harder to remove excess moisture, leading to increased energy consumption. Therefore, the focus on mold growth as a consequence of high humidity underscores its relevance to indoor air quality concerns.