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For
Immediate Release
Media Relations
Contact: Joanne Brigandi
Telephone: (609) 561-9000
x4240
October 21, 2004
FOLSOM, N.J. -- “Mold needs moisture to grow. We need to respond to moisture the way we respond to fire,” so said nationally renowned mold expert Joseph Ponessa, PHD. Ponessa and other leading experts on mold addressed an audience of nearly 100 school officials, builders, architects and engineers during a panel discussion coordinated by South Jersey Gas. The discussion, held in Deptford and designed to find workable solutions to the problem of mold in schools, was the first of two held in southern New Jersey. SJG gathered leading experts from the medical community, local universities, governmental agencies and the business community to discuss the most effective methods to address this growing local and national problem. Mold and the illnesses it causes to children with respiratory problems such as asthma is the leading reason for absenteeism in school districts throughout New Jersey and the other states.
This summer’s heavy rains, flooding and high humidity throughout southern New Jersey are the perfect ingredients to help mold form and grow in area schools. According to the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency website, http://www. epa.gov/mold, area schools that closed for summer vacation and either reduced the use of air conditioning or did not use it at all are prime candidates for mold formation. SJG officials advised the attendees that up to $100,000 could be available to schools through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Smart Start Buildings program to purchase desiccant cooling and dehumidification systems and other equipment to prevent mold from forming.
Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can result from many sources including uncontrolled humidity.
Some moisture problems in schools have been caused by changes in building construction methods over the last 30 years. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed and lacking in adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may also arise from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings. Moisture problems in portable classrooms and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems.
The panelists offered several viable prevention methods. However the most effective method offered was the installation of desiccant dehumidification systems. Several new area schools will install desiccant systems over the next year. Several supermarkets in southern New Jersey also use desiccant systems. Desiccant dehumidification removes humidity from ventilation air thereby reducing condensation and the growth of molds. These systems reduce the energy (electricity) required to dehumidify and cool ventilation air; improve the efficiency of refrigeration equipment by operating at higher evaporator temperatures. Higher COP (what is COP?) permits alternative approaches to air conditioning and reduces the space required for central air-handling equipment and ducts.
Desiccant
systems offer distinct advantages over air conditioning systems. Air conditioning
systems are sized for a combination of two cooling loads: latent (air humidity)
and sensible (cooling of space air). The latent cooling load can account for
as much as 30% to 50% of air conditioning requirements. Conventional, refrigeration-based
air conditioning is electrical-energy intensive, and is costly to install
and to operate.
There are two types of desiccant systems: liquid
(sorbent) and dry. Liquid desiccant systems remove more moisture from ventilation
air than do dry desiccant systems; the air produced by dry desiccant systems,
however, is warmer than the air produced by liquid desiccant systems.
Liquid desiccant systems commonly use two chambers with air/liquid contact surfaces such as sprayed coils. In the conditioning chamber, ventilation air is dehumidified as the concentrated desiccant absorbs moisture from the air. In the regeneration chamber, building exhaust air is humidified as moisture is transferred from the dilute desiccant to the exhaust air. The exhaust air and/or desiccant is usually heated to promote desiccant regeneration. A desiccant pump, level controls and heat exchanger are typically included in the system.
Dry desiccant systems operate in a manner similar to liquid desiccant systems, but use a desiccant coating on a rotary heat recovery wheel.. Dry desiccant systems require energy for desiccant regeneration. Desiccant systems are commonly used in healthcare facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. In healthcare facilities desiccant systems flush airborne contaminants from the environment thereby reducing the spread of upper respiratory infections. In restaurants they eliminate that “cold and clammy” feeling allowing restaurants to offer a more pleasant dining atmosphere. Supermarkets use desiccant systems to improve the appearance of frozen and refrigerated products. And in refrigerated warehouses, desiccant systems keep ice from building up on the floor, contributing to a safer working environment and reduced operating costs.
For more information about desiccant systems please contact South Jersey Gas. “Mold in schools is a serious problem that effects the education and well-being of our children”, said SJG Director of Sales, Larry Lhulier. As a leading business in our community and as parents of school aged children, we all have a vested interest in preventing this problem.”
The New Jersey Clean Energy Program is a statewide energy-efficiency program approved and monitored by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. It is implemented through a collaborative effort of the New Jersey investor-owned natural gas and electric utilities including South Jersey Gas. The program offers a wide range of options to help commercial customers maximize energy efficiency.
The program is designed to save customers money, reduce overhead, enhance comfort and improve the indoor air quality of commercial and industrial facilities. In addition, these program options will help reduce air pollution and benefit the environment throughout New Jersey. For more information on the New Jersey Clean Energy rebate program visit www.njcleanenergy.com.
South Jersey Gas is the principal subsidiary of South Jersey Industries (NYSE:SJI) and provides natural gas service to over 307,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and significant portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey. Visit http://www.sjindustries.com to learn more about South Jersey Gas and its programs.
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