Mould (Fungi) FAQ

  1. What can mould do to my body?
  2. What is toxic black mould?
  3. How do I know if there is a mould problem in my home?
  4. What is involved in a mould inspection?
  5. What should I do if mould growth has been identified during an inspection?
  6. How can mould in attics or crawlspaces affect the living environment of my home?
  7. How much does a mould inspection cost?
  8. Other than mould, what if I am concerned about odors, allergens, bacteria, smoke, dust, etc. in my living environment?
1.

What can mould do to my body?

A:

There are several ways in which fungi can affect the health of building occupants. The primary route of exposure to fungi is the inhalation of the fungal structures (tiny and invisible to naked eyes) suspended in air. Exposure to elevated levels of fungal structures may result in allergic reactions, increased asthma, upper respiratory tract irritation and even fungal infections in some people. Some fungi can be toxic and cause systemic illness in people.

The health effects experienced by people vary significantly. Some people are unaffected by high levels, yet others are affected by low levels of fungal spores. People with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for fungal infections. As the exposure duration and concentration of fungal spores increases, so do symptoms.

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2.

What is toxic black mould?

A: Stachybotrys chartarum has in the past been given bad press and has been referred to as a toxic mould, but more recent research has not found it to be any more toxic than other mould. If mould is growing within a building, it should be remediated regardless of the type of mould that is present.
 
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3.

How do I know if there is a mould problem in my home?

A: If you identify any new staining (usually black, brown or green) on building materials, such as drywall and wood, there is a chance that mould has grown in your home. Other indications are musty odour and/or past water damage.
 
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4.

What is involved in a mould inspection?

A: The area of concern will be visually assessed for the presence of water ingress, staining and fungal growth. Based on the visual inspection, it may be determined that sampling is required. Air, surface, bulk, dust or other samples may be collected to determine the presence, types and extent of fungal contamination. Moisture testing and infrared camera scanning may be conducted to assess the moisture levels in building materials and identify cold/wet spots or air infiltration in walls/ceiling. In some cases, destructive investigations, such as removing baseboards, may be required.
 
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5.

What should I do if mould growth has been identified during an inspection?

A: After we conducted independent mould inspection, a report will be issued detailing our findings. If mould remediation is required, detailed remediation protocols and safe work procedures will be provided.
 
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6.

How can mould in attics or crawlspaces affect the living environment of my home?

A:

Improper venting or roof leaks in attics are likely to cause elevated moisture levels, resulting in mould growth on wood sheathing and framing in attics. Since the venting of a home is usually connected to or through the attic, air could circulate via those vents and thus bring mould spores into the living environment of a home.

Moisture infiltration, flood or piping leaks in crawlspaces can also result in mould growth. Forced air heating systems circulate air through crawlspaces, thus bringing mould spores into the living environment of a home. In addition, stack effect or "chimney effect," by which air moves in and out of building by buoyancy force, can also contribute the air moving from a crawlspace into the living environment.

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7.

How much does a mould inspection cost?

A: The typical range for a fungal investigation is from roughly $900 to a few thousand dollars, depending on a number of important factors. The exact cost will depend on the size of the building or area impacted, the specifics of the investigation and the type of sampling that is required. Please contact us, and we would be happy to provide you with a site specific quote.
 
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8.

Other than mould, what if I am concerned about odors, allergens, bacteria, smoke, dust, etc. in my living environment?

A: We can help! We are able to assess the presence, types and levels of those contaminants in your living environment. Please refer to the Indoor Air Quality section for more information.
 
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