"Measuring humidity, a consequence of bad ventilation"

Guy Poidvin, Health Technician at the Health centre in Sarthe, uses the Humitest MMS moisture meter and thermo-hygrometer mainly for measuring the consequences of bad ventilation in a home.

Humidity, cause of unhealthiness

"We get involved when moisture is detected in a home by social workers or by the council. Sometimes, it’s the tenants themselves who contact us directly", explains Guy Poidvin.
"Humidity is usually due to three causes: condensation (linked to a faulty heating-ventilation-insulation system), infiltration and rising damp. It causes mould and mites to develop, with all their related health problems for the health of the inhabitants", explains Guy Poidvin.

Measuring humidity precisely

"Humitest MMS allows to quantify a phenomenon that is either visible or just simply felt. Moisture-related problems are either visible or simple felt by the inhabitants. I use my moisture meter to get a precise measurement of the problem. This instrument also enables me to test whether the areas that have been blackened by mould relate to a current or past problem. Indeed, even if you might be able to eliminate the causes of moulding, its traces still linger on. With this measuring instrument, you can confirm if the area is dry, which can often mean diffusing a dispute between a landlord and a tenant", concluded Guy Poidvin.


Business
The Sarthe Health Centre usually gets involved in domestic health issues (normally relating to moisture) that may affect the health of inhabitants.