AIR QUALITY TESTING
What is Mould?
Mould is the common word for any Fungus that grows on food or damp building materials. It often looks like a dark stain and comes in a variety of types and colours. In some cases, however, mould may not be visible but may produce a musty odour. Mould allowed to grow can contribute to poor indoor air quality, contaminate and weaken of building components such as support columns, beams, structural walls, wall and floor coverings, windows and ventilation HVAC system.Remediation and repairs to building structure can lead into thousands of dollars if left unchecked.
High humidity, poor air ventilation, condensation or leaks from outside or inside a dwelling structure all produce the kind of indoor environment, which will allow mould to grow.
In order to reproduce, moulds release small "SPORES" into the air. Mould spores exist in all outdoor environments and are part of the natural eco system.
If indoor mould spores counts are at an elevated level in comparisons to outdoor levels then mould may exist within the dwelling.
Sensitive individuals may react to organic components of mould; living or dormant mould can be allergenic.
One should seek the advice of a medicinal expert if there have been conditions inside the dwelling conducive to mould growth:
All these conditions are conducive to mould and bacteria growth if corrective measures are not taken within 24 to 48 hours, see Toxic Effects of Some Common Indoor Fungi
Mould growth may not be visible, existing behind finished walls, ceiling of an affected dwelling
Staining or dark spots on building materials may not be mould, apparent mould growth is an assumption
Sampling and testing for mould and E.Coli requires services of a qualified professional, uses certified equipment and methods, accredited laboratory of all samples to determine if this is mould as well as, Chain of Custody Documents
Recommend %RH settings to reduce risk of condensation on windows and inside wall cavities.
Preventing condensation "DEW POINT" will reduce the risk for mould growth and conditions conducive to mould growth.
Outdoor Air Temperature Deg C | Percentage of Relative Humidity %RH
-30 -------------------- 15%
-25 -------------------- 20%
-20 -------------------- 25%
-15 -------------------- 30%
-10 -------------------- 35%
-5 -------------------- 40%
0 -------------------- 45%
Dewpoint Calculator
Print Recommended Relative Humidity Chart
Toxic Effects of Some Common Indoor Fungi
Mould is the common word for any Fungus that grows on food or damp building materials. It often looks like a dark stain and comes in a variety of types and colours. In some cases, however, mould may not be visible but may produce a musty odour. Mould allowed to grow can contribute to poor indoor air quality, contaminate and weaken of building components such as support columns, beams, structural walls, wall and floor coverings, windows and ventilation HVAC system.Remediation and repairs to building structure can lead into thousands of dollars if left unchecked.
High humidity, poor air ventilation, condensation or leaks from outside or inside a dwelling structure all produce the kind of indoor environment, which will allow mould to grow.
In order to reproduce, moulds release small "SPORES" into the air. Mould spores exist in all outdoor environments and are part of the natural eco system.
If indoor mould spores counts are at an elevated level in comparisons to outdoor levels then mould may exist within the dwelling.
Sensitive individuals may react to organic components of mould; living or dormant mould can be allergenic.
- Eye, nose and throat irritations
- Coughing and phlegm build-up
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma
One should seek the advice of a medicinal expert if there have been conditions inside the dwelling conducive to mould growth:
- Marijuana Grow Operations
- Clandestine Labs
- Sewage Back-ups
- Flood damage or continuous damp basement and crawl spaces
- Bare earth basement or crawl space floors
- Leaking water supply pipes
- Leaking or damaged waste drain pipes
- Pooling or standing water
- Leaking or damaged roof systems
- Continuous high moisture levels within the dwelling
All these conditions are conducive to mould and bacteria growth if corrective measures are not taken within 24 to 48 hours, see Toxic Effects of Some Common Indoor Fungi
Mould growth may not be visible, existing behind finished walls, ceiling of an affected dwelling
Staining or dark spots on building materials may not be mould, apparent mould growth is an assumption
Sampling and testing for mould and E.Coli requires services of a qualified professional, uses certified equipment and methods, accredited laboratory of all samples to determine if this is mould as well as, Chain of Custody Documents
Recommend %RH settings to reduce risk of condensation on windows and inside wall cavities.
Preventing condensation "DEW POINT" will reduce the risk for mould growth and conditions conducive to mould growth.
Outdoor Air Temperature Deg C | Percentage of Relative Humidity %RH
-30 -------------------- 15%
-25 -------------------- 20%
-20 -------------------- 25%
-15 -------------------- 30%
-10 -------------------- 35%
-5 -------------------- 40%
0 -------------------- 45%
Dewpoint Calculator
Print Recommended Relative Humidity Chart
Toxic Effects of Some Common Indoor Fungi
Allergens
Individuals may have become sensitive to dust mites, plant pollen or pet dander. Common reactions are:
One should seek the advice of a medicinal expert if any of the conditions occur.
Have there been conditions inside the dwelling conducive to producing Allergens:
Sampling and testing for allergens requires services of a qualified professional, uses certified equipment and methods, accredited laboratory of all samples to determine types of allergens found, as well as Chain of Custody Documents.
Toxic Effects of Some Common Indoor Fungi
Issue of mycotoxins in indoor environments. An explosion of cases related to toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins have been reported or discovered throughout the United States and Canada over the past several years. Courthouses in Florida were closed for extensive decontamination, with costs as much as the price of the original building. Recently, an old school building in Canada, infested with toxigenic fungi, had to be burned. This extreme measure underscored the importance of indoor fungal problems. Furthermore, the unusual weather conditions in many parts of the U.S.A. and Canada over the past years have provided conditions for the growth of toxigenic fungi and potential human exposure to mycotoxins and other secondary fungal metabolites.
What are the options to avoid toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin related problems?
Fungal growth in an indoor environment is often related to the availability of nutrient, water/moisture, proper temperature range and the presence of inoculum (often fungal spores). The key factor is water/moisture. Moisture control to reduce condensation and free water will prevent or control fungal growth.
In an environment where water/moisture-related problems often lead to fungal growth, rapid response to the problem is the key solution. Fungi-infested materials should be removed and replaced (see also below). Materials that can not be replaced should be decontaminated or treated. Consult an environmental microbiologist for such decontamination treatments. Proper project design and procedures are an important factor in a successful decontamination project. Biocidal application may be necessary under certain conditions. More importantly, before any decontamination is performed, water and excessive moisture must be controlled and eliminated.
Most importantly, fungal infestation may be directly correlated with building operation and maintenance. Spores of Stachybotrys chartarum are wet and slimy. They do not easily become airborne. Their dissemination is likely through insects (such as cockroaches), rodents, water incursion or air stream. Without the assistance of insects, rodents and free running water, the likelihood of Stachybotrys chartarum spreading from one location to the other requires the disturbance of a dried slimy spore mass. Spores and hyphae of S. chartarum have been detected in air samples. Any detection of S. chartarum spores in indoor air should be considered significant.
To prevent or eliminate fungal infestation in buildings, the following procedures should be observed:
Recommend %RH settings to reduce risk of condensation on windows and inside wall cavities. Preventing condensation “DEW POINT” will reduce the risk for mould growth and conditions conducive to mould growth (Printabel Chart)
If large areas of contamination are determined, consult a Mould Remediation Company.
- Eye, nose and throat irritations
- Coughing and phlegm build-up
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma
One should seek the advice of a medicinal expert if any of the conditions occur.
Have there been conditions inside the dwelling conducive to producing Allergens:
- Have there been or are there pets in the dwelling
- Delayed general house keeping and upkeep
- Carpets within a dwelling will trap many allergens including dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mould spores
- Delayed maintenance and cleaning of the HVAC system duct work
Sampling and testing for allergens requires services of a qualified professional, uses certified equipment and methods, accredited laboratory of all samples to determine types of allergens found, as well as Chain of Custody Documents.
Toxic Effects of Some Common Indoor Fungi
Issue of mycotoxins in indoor environments. An explosion of cases related to toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins have been reported or discovered throughout the United States and Canada over the past several years. Courthouses in Florida were closed for extensive decontamination, with costs as much as the price of the original building. Recently, an old school building in Canada, infested with toxigenic fungi, had to be burned. This extreme measure underscored the importance of indoor fungal problems. Furthermore, the unusual weather conditions in many parts of the U.S.A. and Canada over the past years have provided conditions for the growth of toxigenic fungi and potential human exposure to mycotoxins and other secondary fungal metabolites.
What are the options to avoid toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin related problems?
Fungal growth in an indoor environment is often related to the availability of nutrient, water/moisture, proper temperature range and the presence of inoculum (often fungal spores). The key factor is water/moisture. Moisture control to reduce condensation and free water will prevent or control fungal growth.
In an environment where water/moisture-related problems often lead to fungal growth, rapid response to the problem is the key solution. Fungi-infested materials should be removed and replaced (see also below). Materials that can not be replaced should be decontaminated or treated. Consult an environmental microbiologist for such decontamination treatments. Proper project design and procedures are an important factor in a successful decontamination project. Biocidal application may be necessary under certain conditions. More importantly, before any decontamination is performed, water and excessive moisture must be controlled and eliminated.
Most importantly, fungal infestation may be directly correlated with building operation and maintenance. Spores of Stachybotrys chartarum are wet and slimy. They do not easily become airborne. Their dissemination is likely through insects (such as cockroaches), rodents, water incursion or air stream. Without the assistance of insects, rodents and free running water, the likelihood of Stachybotrys chartarum spreading from one location to the other requires the disturbance of a dried slimy spore mass. Spores and hyphae of S. chartarum have been detected in air samples. Any detection of S. chartarum spores in indoor air should be considered significant.
To prevent or eliminate fungal infestation in buildings, the following procedures should be observed:
- Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems must be properly filtered and maintained.
- Water intrusion must be taken care of within 24 hours. Never overlook small leaks. Ignored small leaks are much more problematic than a properly handled major flood.
- Proper handling and storage of food to keep insects and rodents away from buildings.
- In a warm, humid climate, a building engineer should be consulted to make sure that a moisture barrier is properly installed and that no condensation will occur.
- Install dehumidifiers in areas where humidity is constantly high. Keep relative humidity below 60%.
Recommend %RH settings to reduce risk of condensation on windows and inside wall cavities. Preventing condensation “DEW POINT” will reduce the risk for mould growth and conditions conducive to mould growth (Printabel Chart)
If large areas of contamination are determined, consult a Mould Remediation Company.