jismart2024086: Influence of Light Intensity on Indoor Mold Growth

Abstract

To investigate the effects of light on indoor mold growth, this study utilized an established multi-factor mold growth laboratory. We designed and fabricated shading panels with different light-transmission ratios to adjust light intensity inside the test box, simulating variations in building light-transmission ratios during architectural design. Full-spectrum supplementary lights were placed outside the test box to mimic natural sunlight. Using a controlled variable method, five sets of experiments were conducted. After sampling and calculating mold growth rates, we found that weaker light (10% transmission ratio) can promote mold growth under certain conditions. When the light-transmission ratio was 20% or above, the mold growth rate was lower than in completely opaque conditions. When the light-transmission ratio exceeded 50%, the inhibitory effect on mold growth was similar and stronger than the promoting effect of increased wind speed. This suggests that higher-intensity light in buildings can effectively suppress mold contamination.