WHAT IS MOLD AND WHERE CAN IT BE FOUND?
HOW CAN MOLD AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?
HOW CAN YOU BE EXPOSED TO MOLD?
WHAT IS STACHYBOTRYS CHATARUM?
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF STACHYBOTRYS CHARTARUM IS PRESENT?
WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH A HAZARDOUS MOLD ASSESSMENT/INVESTIGATION?
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF MOLD IS PRESENT IN YOUR BUILDING?
MOLD REMOVAL/REMEDIATION SERVICES
WHY IS HIGH-QUALITY INDOOR AIR IMPORTANT?
WHAT IS MOLD AND WHERE CAN IT BE FOUND?
Mold spores (fungi) are present everywhere, both inside and outside. There are more than 100,000 different species of mold, at least 100 of which are common in North America. Some of the more common species include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Mold is most likely to grow in damp places or in the presence of water. Such places include bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces and green houses, as well as patio furniture. While the majority of molds do not have known health effects on humans, there is a small number of species that are known to have toxic health effects.
HOW CAN MOLD AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?
Most types of mold that you come across every day are not considered to be very hazardous to healthy individuals. However, exposure to high concentrations of any type of mold may cause or worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. Some of the most common symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, eye irritation, skin irritation (rashes), and aggravation of asthma. Depending on the level of exposure and a person's individual vulnerability, more serious health effects such as fevers and breathing problems can occur, but are less frequent. Mold can also cause infection (e.g. Aspergillosis, Histoplasmosis) in individuals who have weakened or compromised immune systems. As well, some mold species can produce chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause illness in people who are particularly sensitive to them or in people who are exposed to it in high airborne concentrations.
HOW CAN YOU BE EXPOSED TO MOLD?
When moldy materials get damaged or moved, spores (reproductive bodies similar to seeds) can be released into the air. Exposure routes include:
• Inhalation of mold spores or mycotoxins;
• Direct skin contact with or inhalation of moldy materials, and
• Accidental ingestion.
HOW DOES MOLD GROW?
Mold spores grow under three conditions: humidity (licking water, condensation), temperature and poor air circulation. All molds need water and a food source to grow. Mold can grow almost anywhere there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Most often, molds are confined to areas near the source of water. The removal the water source through repairs or dehumidification is critical to the prevention of mold growth. However, spores that spread through the air may remain dormant until conditions are right for growth.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Increased indoor mold concentrations can affect anyone in the house, but those who are most at risk are asthmatics, immune-suppressed individuals, people with allergies, and both old and young people. Renovation/demolition workers may be at a higher risk for exposure than the average person.
Facilities that have are threatened by the presence of hazardous mold include:
• Daycare facilities
• Schools (portables)
• Hospitals
• Retirement homes
• Recreation centres
• Office buildings
• Homes
• Water-damaged buildings
WHAT IS STACHYBOTRYS CHATARUM?
Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as Stachybotrys Atra, is a hazardous mold (known to have toxic health effects) that has received widespread publicity due to its presence in portable classrooms. It is a greenish-black mold that can grow on materials with high cellulose content, such as drywall sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and wood that becomes chronically moist or water-damaged due to excessive humidity, leaks, condensation, or flooding.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF STACHYBOTRYS CHARTARUM IS PRESENT?
Many molds are black in appearance but are not Stachybotrys. For example, the black mold commonly found in bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys can be positively identified only through microscopic examination by trained mycologists.
WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH A HAZARDOUS MOLD ASSESSMENT/INVESTIGATION?
A hazardous mold assessment/investigation involves a thorough visual survey of all accessible areas of the building, including areas above ceilings and inside of ducts, along with specific mold sampling. The sampling may include bulk samples of affected materials, tape-lift samples from visually affected surfaces, swab samples from suspected contaminated surfaces, and air samples in affected areas or where health-related symptoms have been recorded. Potentially hazardous molds are indentified microscopically. A follow-up investigation may also be required to address sources of moisture which contribute to mold growth.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF MOLD IS PRESENT IN YOUR BUILDING?
Call the Mold Busters Service. Mold must be removed as soon as it discovered. Follow the Mold Remediation Guidelines: If the mold returns quickly or if it spreads, this may indicate an underlying problem such as a water leak. Any underlying water problems must be indentified and fixed to successfully eliminate conditions for mold growth. If large areas are affected by mold growth or if the building’s occupants have experienced symptoms potentially caused by exposure to mold, a detailed investigation by a qualified consultant is recommended. The investigation will enable the consultant to identify the problem(s) and develop a plan, which would include detailed technical specifications for corrective measures. Areas with significant mold growth should only be remediated by properly trained and qualified contractors in order to avoid widespread contamination of the building with airborne mold spores. Air tests should be taken during and following the abatement of mold to ensure the problem has been eliminated and that other areas have not been contaminated.
MOLD REMOVAL/REMEDIATION SERVICES
At Mold Busters, we seek to understand the unique requirements of each project through in-depth communication with the client. We then use our expertise to meet the client’s needs in a cost-effective manner. Available services include:
• Facility mold surveys
• Building occupant surveys
• Building condition surveys
• Bulk sampling and analysis
• Preparation of abatement specifications and tender documentation
• Inspection and testing services during abatement projects
• Project Management
• Mold awareness and worker training
MOLD BUSTERS EXPERIENCE
The staff at Mold Busters has been involved in all aspects of mold-related projects since 1996. We have worked with all levels of government, the military, school boards, hospitals, private industries, banks, property management companies, real estate, and private individuals. Please feel free to call if you have any questions regarding mold or other environmental issues.
WHY IS HIGH-QUALITY INDOOR AIR IMPORTANT?
In today's increasingly competitive business environment, increases in employee absence and decreases in employee productivity can have a serious effect on a company's monetary bottom line. The potential costs associated with perceived poor indoor air quality can be elusive. Many employers, property owners, and managers have realized the importance and economic benefit of a proactive evaluation of potential indoor air quality issues before they become serious problems. The key to avoiding serious indoor air quality problems is prevention. Often, if an indoor air quality problem is caught early, it can be easily resolved at a minimal cost. Some experts say that indoor air quality is characterized by the axiom; pay now, or pay ten times later!
Please call to book your "mould inspection" or "air quality testing" appointment today !!!
Ottawa-Gatineau area: 613-262-3242
Montreal, Quebec area: 514-667-3696
Toll Free: 877-5 NO MOLD (666653)