Mold or Mildew issues along Maine Coast? (Portland, South Portland: insurance, hotel)

[Oceanside582]

My partner and I are considering a move back to New England, specifically the Portland/South Portland ME. area, after leaving New England for the Mid-Atlantic region, which we are finding we really don't care for. Our biggest issue with this area is the allergies that we have encountered, mostly having to do with the mold and mildew, which seems to be very prevalent, in the air, in the ground and in homes. It has been a constant battle which started approximately 6 months after moving here. Constant sinusitis and upper respiratory issues. We moved to this area because we wanted to experience living life by the ocean and we didn't consider the New England coastline at the time, but now, after being here for approximately four years, we are ready to make a move back north. We have heard good things about the Portland area and we think that it could be a viable place for us to live. My partner will be looking for a job within the IT field and I will be looking for work within the hotel industry. The main question we are looking to get answered is whether or not ocean side living in the Portland/South Portland area posses the same issues in regards to mold and mildew. Being from New England, we do know that the air is generally drier and that there is a lot less humidity and coastal flooding, so our hope is that mold and mildew will not be an issue. Any information that anyone can give us is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[OutdoorLover]

I am not so sure that the humidity is lower along the New England coast than along the mid-Atlantic coast, and when I looked at some data just now, it looked pretty similar for Portland, ME vs Baltimore, MD.

I live in a coastal town in northern MA presently, and I have seen issues with fungal infections in plants - roses, tomatoes, apple trees - more than when living far inland, and I think the wood rots a little faster here than it will inland as well - that's from general ambient humidity along the coast.

Having said that, when it comes to health issues, I think that comes more from indoor molds, and I think that is greatly influenced by (in addition to ambient humidity outdoors) the integrity of the building envelope, namely, how leak-free it is, and that includes the basement. If you live in a house with a basement that is bone-dry year-round, and doesn't have any leaks around flashings in the roof, doors and windows, I don't think you'll have any issues with respiratory health from fungal spores/infections, and you can always add an air conditioner and a whole house dehumidifier into a forced hot air HVAC system for insurance too, to wring out ambient moisture that's just in the air at the same levels it is outside.

[Oceanside582]

Thank you very much for your post and the information. Maybe living right along the coast won't be a good idea for us. Soon after moving into this area is when our issues started. You can be walking down the street and sometimes pick up the smell of mold or mildew that must be growing in the ground. Weird looking mushrooms will pop up here and there also. We will have to look into it some more. The fungus' that have a tendency to grow in the more humid climates are what seem to bother us so it's definitely something to consider. Thanks again! We appreciate it!

[gf2020]

Despite your username, it sounds like your allergies and respiratory situation would be much better served by an arid climate like the high desert in New Mexico or Arizona.

[Oceanside582]

Prior to moving here, we lived in Vt. and the only issues were in the spring and in the fall. Very minor. It seems as though everyone that lives down here suffers in one way or another. You'll find Flonase and Dymista in virtually every household! Was hoping maybe the Northern New England coastline would be different. I have followed the Portland weather during the summer and have found that the dew points are generally much lower than they are down here. The recent cold snap has found us receiving some much needed relief!