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Mould Growth: When Should One Be Concerned?

People are today more aware of health effects associated with mould than they were 10-15 years ago. When should one be concerned with indoor mould growth? The simple answer is that mould should never be allowed to grow indoors. Apart from being unsightly and a potential health hazard, mould breaks down the materials it is growing on thus reducing their value and structural integrity.

If one happens to find mould growth in their homes or offices, my advice would be not to panic but to seek professional help. There are close to 200 mould species that have been reported from indoor environment and most of these are quite rare indoors. Also, only a few of these would be considered a health risk. The amount of mould growth, the types of mould present, individual health status and for how long one has been exposed to airborne mould (spores and hyphal fragments) are some of the factors that would determine if one is at risk or not. A professional would be able to determine some of these factors and be able to advise occupants if they were possibly at risk of mould exposure.

Should you have a mould problem or question, please call (905)290-9101.

Can You Paint Over Mould On The Shower Ceiling?

Recently we were asked whether it would be OK to paint over mould on the shower ceiling. Painting over existing mould is probably not a good idea because the mould may continue growing beneath the paint film and subsequently the paint would start peeling off. The best solution would be to clean the mould following current mould remediation guidelines such as CCA 82 – Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry and then find a way of reducing condensation in the shower. Painting after the mould has been cleaned and the condensation problems fixed would be OK.

How To Reduce Indoor Mould Exposure During This Winter

It is a fact that we spend most (some people say 90%) of our time indoors. During winter we probably spend more. While mould is not the only contaminant that can compromise our health, it is one of the most important ones. People who may be at risk of mould exposure during the winter include young children, the elderly, people with allergic problems or those with low immune systems following medical treatments or due to other disease conditions such as HIV AIDS.

We can reduce exposure to mould growth by reducing the spore concentrations in the air.

Steps To Reducing Indoor Mould Spore Concentrations

  • Monitor regularly for early signs of mould growth. Pay particular attention to basements, bathrooms, windowsills, ceilings, under kitchen and bathroom sinks and any other area that is likely to be damp. Damp hidden places are particularly prone to mould growth.
  • Promptly fix plumbing leaks, drain clogs, roof leaks, condensation problems or poor ventilation that can lead to mould growth.
  • Regularly vacuum clean (preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner) surfaces that tend to collect dust such as the floor, furniture etc. Settled dust is a reservoir not only for mould spores but also for other allergens.
  • If mould is found, refer to the following mould guidelines and call a mould specialist immediately.
  1. New York City Department of Health “Guidelines on assessment and remediation of fungi in indoor environments”. 
  2. CCA 82 – Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry. This can be obtained at: http://www.cca-acc.com/documents/electronic/cca82/cca82.pdf
  3. Health Canada’s “Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: Health Effects and Investigation Methods”. This document is a revision of an earlier version published by Health Canada and the Federal-Provincial Advisory Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOH) in 1995.

 

 

Do you have a mould problem? We can help. Call us at (905)290-9101.

Reducing Indoor Mould Growth During Winter

During winter the outdoor air spora is usually below the detection limit (if not zero) of the current test methods. Unfortunately, it is during the winter when we spend most of our time indoors. Depending on how well the building is insulated condensation tends to occur indoors during winter resulting in mould growth. Therefore, concentrations of airborne mould spores in indoor environment during winter can be very high.

The following strategies can help reduce indoor mould growth during winter:

  • Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning to reduce condensation.
  • Add more insulation to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors).
  • Provide adequate ventilation and maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60%.

Do you have a mould problem? Call us at (905)290-9101.

Water Damage in Your Home – How to avoid mold, minimize damage – and deal with your insurance agent!

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has provided a series of steps you can take if your home has experienced extensive water damage. These are:

  • First, call your insurance broker or agent and report the water damage within 24 hours or less, to allow for quick drying and repairs.
  • Next, hire a professional contractor to clean up the water and make repairs as soon as possible. The contractor reports to and is paid by you, but your insurance adjuster can make recommendations.
  • As the work progresses, make sure the adjuster and contractor follow the best possible procedures to look after your concerns. A fast, thorough cleanup will help avoid mold growth and significantly reduce cleanup costs. So when selecting a contractor, look for qualities like speed, competence in water cleanup practices and certification or training in water damage restoration and mold remediation.
  • Make sure the moisture source is stopped, and all wet areas are completely dry. Wet items that can’t be salvaged should be removed, and what can’t be removed must be dried quickly, preferably within 48 hours to minimize the growth of mold. Be sure all cavities and crawl spaces are dry. And confirm that no refinishing is done until the entire area is thoroughly dried.
  • If you have mold growth, make sure it is removed safely by the contractor, and that there is no remaining mold anywhere in your house, including behind wallpaper, in areas adjacent to the mold growth or where water may have seeped (such as wall cavities, basement subfloors and crawl spaces), and under carpeting.
  • Finally, make sure that all repairs and cleaning have been completed thoroughly and properly before you tell your adjuster that you are satisfied.

You could find more information at www.cmhc.ca

Any mould question? Please send it to us at My Question.

Salmonella food poisoning and symptoms

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Legionella pneumophila – Guidelines for Laboratory Interpretation

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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. […]