Mold Bacteria Consulting Services

Serving Ontario and British Columbia

You are here: Home / Archives for dampness

Would Mold Develop Over Time?

Question: I am wondering if you have a foundation problem in a house and water comes in when the snow melts and when it rains would mold develop over time? We were going to move in a house and the landlord says that she removed the mold. It is a damp, old basement and the wood boards are rotting because of either mold or water. She says it only rained in there once but i don’t think so. Would there likely be mold in the walls, underneath the cardboard? When the landlord tells me it has been removed do I believe her or would a mold/air specialist have to come in? There is also insulation exposed. I heard mold can grow there. My mom had a bad reaction from being in the basement. Please give me your advice.

Thanks.

Answer: The conditions you have described would definitely support mold growth. Going by your description of the place, I would suggest you look for another house. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health problems. People who are sensitive to molds may experience nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Those with weak immune system or with chronic lung illnesses and other respiratory diseases may get serious infections in their lungs when they’re exposed to mold.

Am I A Victim Of Dampness, Mould And Bacterial Infection?

Question: I’ve always been a fit and healthy individual at the age now of 32! Two years ago I moved from a bedsit, into an apartment (ground floor), during my residence here. I discovered horrible black stained walls, and it seems to be multiplying! Ever since I have lived here, I have noticed a change in my appearance. My skin seems to be dry and flakey. My nose seems to be blocked, my throat feels like something is stuck in it, and I seem to be looking paler in the face and find breathing very difficult. Also I am getting pains in my chest (heart area) and in my back!! Now I am concerned about this! Am I a victim of dampness, mould and bacterial infection?

Many thanks!

Answer: My suggestion is that you consult with your doctor regarding your condition. If possible you may also consider moving out of your current apartment. Damp conditions and mould are known to cause various illnesses. For more information read the answer to a similar question: Could Mold Be Making Us Sick?

Could These Illnesses Be Related To Mold Spores?

Question: My question regards mold spores. Our basement was flooded about 2 weeks ago. Most if not all of the exterior concrete walls and floor were affected as well as an inside wall. Although we have tried to clean everything up as best as we could, we noted a musty smell shortly afterwards. All four family members have been sick with what seems to be various allergic symptoms ever since. Could these illnesses be related to the flood? Could mold spores be the reason and should we have the air quality of our duplex tested?

Answer: It’s possible that your allergic symptoms are linked to dampness in your home. Excessive dampness is a health problem by itself. Indoor dampness also indirectly contributes to health problems by supporting the growth of molds and other microbial agents in addition to initiating the release of chemical emissions from damaged building materials and furnishings. Mold spores are also known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

Research has shown that living in damp homes not only increases the risk of asthma, but also leaves residents with a greater chance of repeated colds and skin allergies. People living in damp houses have been found to require more antibiotics than others and are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis or tonsillitis.

You may want to test the air quality in your home to determine the levels of airborne mold spores. I would suggest you hire a professional to assess the situation in your home and give recommendations on remediation.

Mould Growth In Buildings

Mould growth only occurs in moisture-damaged and damp building materials. The main causes of mould growth in buildings, therefore, may include poor maintenance and lifestyles of occupants, defective construction and use of building materials susceptible to mould attack. It is estimated that up to 40% and 30% of buildings in the USA and Canada respectively have mould problems.

Health Effects Associated With Mould Growth And Dampness

Several studies suggest that people living and working in damp or mouldy buildings have a higher risk of respiratory health problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Other symptoms associated with mould growth and dampness include blocked nose, itching eyes, and skin irritation. In agricultural environments, where the concentration of spores is several magnitudes higher than in indoor air, inhalation of spores has been associated with cancer, premature birth and farmers lung disease.

Moulds as Indicators of Dampness in A Building

Some moulds and bacteria when found growing in indoor environment are indicative of the level of dampness in the building or potential health hazards.

Indicators of severe moisture damage in a building
Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma spp, Exophiala, Stachybotrys spp, Phialophora spp, Fusarium spp, Ulocladium spp, yeasts such as Rhodotorula, Actinomycetes and Gram-negative bacteria and Phoma spp.

Indicators of moderate damp building environment
Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus sydowii, Emericella nidulans, and Cladosporium spp

Indicators of relatively dry building environment
Aspergillus versicolor, Eurotium spp, Wallemia sebi, Penicillium spp such as Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium aurantiogriseum.

Do you have a mould question? Contact Jackson at (905)290-9101

Salmonella food poisoning and symptoms

Salmonella food poisoning has been a growing concern in recent news. It has frequently lead to recalls of beef, salads and organic products and, even peanut butter products. Salmonella food poisoning occurs when one eats raw or undercooked foods such meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. Properly cooked food can get contaminated with Salmonella if […]

Legionella pneumophila – Guidelines for Laboratory Interpretation

Legionella pneumophila is a Gram negative, aerobic bacteria that is characterized as an opportunistic pathogen. It is the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia and, it is the cause of Pontiac fever, a non-pneumonic form of L. pneumophila infection. Legionella spp.’s mode of transmission is through aerosols or aspiration of contaminated water. The Public Health […]

The Indoor Mold Is An Early Warning Device

The mold (or mould, in the Queen’s English) has been the victim of a bad press. Mention the word and it conjures up an image of something rotting or in the process of decomposition. And yet, were it not for the mold that inspired the discovery of penicillin millions of lives would have been lost. […]