Moulds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are moulds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mould growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment. However, mould growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. Moulds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases toxins that can cause a reactions in humans. These include allergic reactions such as rhinitis and dermatitis, asthma, hypersensitivity and other immunologic effects.
Moulds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mould spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mould spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Moulds gradually destroy the things they grow on.
Many types of moulds exist. All moulds have the potential to cause health effects. Moulds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mould. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/ or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mould growth.
IF YOU HAVE HAD A WATER LEAK INSIDE YOUR HOME... YOU COULD HAVE MOULD!
Mould can grow inside your home behind walls and underneath flooring. Even though mould is a natural occurring fungi, mould that grows indoors can have serious health affects on many people. There are many mould types that can cause a variety of symptoms such as skin rashes, nose bleeds, itchy and watery eyes, breathing difficulties, migraine headaches, just to name a few. Some moulds are extremely toxic such as Stachybotrys chartarum.
Mould needs moisture and a cellulose nutrient source to grow. If you had a water leak or flood that was not cleaned properly within 24-48 hours of its occurrence, you could have mould growth. If you had a hidden plumbing leak, excess condensation or high relative humidity, you could have mould growth. Mould growth in buildings is not always visible or detected threw visible inspection. The majority of indoor mould growth issues are hidden inside walls, behind wall paper, underneath flooring or behind built-in cabinetry. Mould does not always produce a musty odor. Mould growth can occur without any scent or visible signs noticeable by the homeowner whatsoever.
If you have had a roof leak, basement leaks, plumbing leaks, high relative humidity or condensation indoors, you could have a hidden mould problem. Incorrectly installed windows, poorly built homes, botched renovations and previously run Marijuana Grow Operations can cause extensive mould growth problems. 80 % of indoor mould issues are hidden, they can however, cause a variety of health problems, structural issues as well as property damage. The age of the building has no baring on weather there could be a mould issue.
OUR TECHNIQUE TO DETERMINE MOULD GROWTH IN AN INDOOR AIR ENVIRONMENT
Visual inspection of the building for evidence of moisture intrusion and visual signs of mould growth.
Moisture meter to determine if walls, floors and ceilings show signs of active moisture problems.
Air quality testing to determine air patterns and relative humidity in the building which could lead to mould issues.
Airborne laser particulate counter to determine which areas of the building show the highest dust load (which could be mould spores).
MVOC (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) to determine the off gassing levels for mould in the indoor environment.
Viable laboratory testing by way of drawing air (living mould spores) into a petri dish with an agar solution that will grow active mould spores.
Non-viable mould sampling by way of drawing air (dead mould spores) into a spore trap which will identify mould spores that have either died, dried up, or have been killed by a biocide.
Tape lift sampling for source identification.
PREVENTION
The key to mould control is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems!
· Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
· Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix the source of the moisture problem as soon as possible.
· Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
· Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
· Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
· Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible.
· Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled. . Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
· Don't let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.
Krytiuk Specialty Contracting Inc.'s Mould Remediation system has been used successfully in the following applications;
• Schools, Portables, and Building Utilities
• Heating and Air Conditioning Systems in Residential and Institutional Buildings
• Hospitals, Retirement Homes, Daycare Centers
• Government and Commercial Buildings
• Large Living Accommodations; Hotels, Apartment Buildings and Condominiums
• Athletic Facilities; Arenas, Pools, Health Clubs and Club Houses