MOULD INSPECTION/TESTING & REPORTS
What are moulds and where do they grow?
Moulds, like most fungi, break down plant and animal matter in the environment. They can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material such as in soil, on foods and plants, and in people's homes just to name a few. To reproduce, molds release spores, which can spread through air, water, or on animals.
What should I do to prevent mould growth in my home?
The key to preventing mould growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems. Mould spores are everywhere, including your home, and they can grow on any surface that has sufficient moisture.
Common sources of moisture are:
- Roof leaks
- Indoor plumbing leaks
- Outdoor drainage problems
- Damp crawl spaces
- Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
- Condensation on cool surfaces
- Humidifiers
- Wet clothes drying inside the home
- A clothes dryer venting indoors
- Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
How do I know if I have a mould problem?
You can usually see or smell a mould problem. Mould can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most moulds produce musty odours that are the first indication of a problem. Mould can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem. The best way to find mould is to look for signs of mould growth, water staining, warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odour. It may be necessary to look behind and underneath surfaces, such as carpets, wallpaper, cabinets, and walls. There are some areas of the home that are always susceptible to mould growth and should be part of routine cleaning to control mould growth. These are:
- Bathrooms; especially shower areas, bathroom tiles, and shower curtains
- Window moldings
- The seal on the refrigerator door
- Surfaces on and around air conditioners
Anywhere that there is a potential of moisture.
The first step to mould cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water or dampness must be identified and corrected.
Porous materials with heavy/extensive mould growth should be discarded (e.g., plaster, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles etc).
All wet materials that can't be cleaned and dried thoroughly should be discarded.
Can mould make my family sick?
Exposure to mould can cause health effects in some people. Mould spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mould contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mould can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.
It is hard to say how much mould will cause health problems as some people are more sensitive to mould than others:
- People with current respiratory conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma, or emphysema)
- People with a compromised immune system (HIV/AIDS infection, organ transplant patients, or chemotherapy patients)
Always discuss your health concerns with your doctor, because the symptoms of mould exposure could be caused by other exposures and illnesses.
What are symptoms and effects of mould exposure?
Allergy and irritation are the most common symptoms of mould exposure. Less common effects of mould exposure include infections and illness. Serious infections from moulds are relatively rare and occur mainly in people with severely suppressed immune systems. Illness has been reported from workplace exposures to mould. Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mould indoors include:
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Throat irritation
- Skin irritation, such as a rash
- Headache
Inspection Protection are IICRC certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians.
We have performed the smallest of mould remediation jobs to the bigger jobs where we have to remove all plaster to walls and ceilings and remove timber flooring and cabnitery. We have the expertise and experience and the appropriate tools to perform your Mould inspection and advise on the remediation process.
We perform mould inspections and reporting and also investigate the cause of the mould growth. {Water and moisture}
We perform Thermal imaging and moisture detection meter inspections and in worse case scenario we use a borescope to look inside the wall cavities and areas that cannot be readily accessed without removing building materials to investigate the extent of the mould issues.
Call Inspection Protection 0487772757 or email kurt@inspectionprotection.com.au to book in your inspection.
