MOULD, MOISTURE AND YOUR HOME

Information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mould problems and how to prevent mould growth

Mould Basics

• The key to mould control is moisture control.
• If mould is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mould promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth.

Why is mould growing in my home?

Moulds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, moulds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mould growth should be avoided. Moulds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mould may begin growing indoors when mould spores land on surfaces that are wet.

Can mould cause health problems?

Moulds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mould spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Moulds have the potential to cause health problems. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mould are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mould. In addition, mould exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mould­ allergic and non-allergic people.

How do I get rid of mould?

It is impossible to get rid of all mould and mould spores indoors; some mould spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mould spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mould growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mould growth in your home, you must clean up the mould and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mould, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mould problem will come back.

Who should do the cleanup?

• If the mouldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below.
• If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mould.
• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mould (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mould near the intake to the system), do not run the system - it could spread mould throughout the building.
• If the water and/or mould damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

MOULD CLEANUP GUIDELINES

• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.
• Scrub mould off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
• Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become mouldy. Mould can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mould may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
• Avoid exposing yourself or others to mould
• Do not paint or caulk mouldy surfaces. Clean up the mould and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over mouldy surfaces is likely to peel.
• If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.
• Avoid breathing in mould or mould spores.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear goggles.

How do I know when the remediation or cleanup is finished?

• You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or remediation can be considered finished.
• You should have completed mould removal. Visible mould and mouldy odors should not be present. Please note that mould may cause staining and cosmetic damage.
• You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show no signs of water damage or mould growth.
• People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.

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