What is Mold?
Molds are part of nature and belong to the fungi kingdom. They can be found indoors and outdoors, and it has been estimated that there are over 100, 000 different species, but no one really knows the exact number. Mold prefers environments that are warm, damp, and humid. Once mold begins to grow, it also releases spores in order to reproduce and spread to other areas. Airborne mold spores are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye, but they can survive harsh environments until the right conditions are present. At which point, the spores can once again germinate and begin to grow new colonies that will in turn release more spores.
When Can Mold Growth Develop Indoors?
When water damage, high relative humidity, or dampness are present within a building, the potential for indoor mold growth is very likely. Events such as floods, roof leaks, pipe leaks, sewer backups, or sump pump overflow can result in significant indoor mold growth contamination. Other indoor moisture issues that may result in indoor mold growth include high property water tables or condensation issues that can result in damp basements and crawlspaces.
According to multiple governmental agencies, when mold growth is discovered indoors, it should be promptly addressed. If not, mold growth can result in potential damage to indoor building materials, wall finishes, and furnishings. Significant mold growth can also result in expensive structural damage to a home or building when ongoing chronic moisture issues are not promptly addressed.
Beyond the expensive damage that indoor mold growth can cause to our homes and places of work, a bigger concern should be the potential negative health impacts that it can have on some of us.
Health Canada’s Position on the Hazards of Mold
According to Health Canada, “mould growth in buildings may pose a health hazard. Health risks depend on exposure, and for asthma symptoms, on allergic sensitization. However, a large number of mould species and strains growing in buildings and the large inter-individual variability in human response to mould exposure preclude the derivation of exposure limits”.
Therefore, it is advisable that susceptible individuals such as pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, (or pets) and occupants with asthma, allergies or other health problems should not be in or near the area where the mould is present.
Potential Mold Health Effects
Health Canada has found that there is a relationship between indoor mold growth and increased cases of:
| · Eye, nose, and throat irritation | · Wheezing and shortness of breath |
| · Coughing and phlegm build-up | · Worsening of asthma symptoms |
Addressing Indoor Mold Growth
Proper remediation of indoor mold growth is highly recommended. Whether the mold growth is found in your attic, shower, or basement, it is imperative that it be properly removed in order to mitigate potential structural and negative health-related issues.
How Should Mold Growth be Cleaned-up?
When a medium or large amount of mold growth (>10ft2) is found indoors, it should be properly remediated by implementing proper mold remediation cleaning protocols that will protect adjacent areas and occupants from potential cross-contamination of spore that are released and can become airborne, when mouldy surfaces are disturbed. It is for this reason that is advisable that a certified mold remediation contractor be brought in to properly and thoroughly remove indoor mold growth, as well as airborne and settled mold spores.
Recommended Mold Remediation Guidelines
We recommend that mold remediation is completed in accordance with cleaning protocols outlined in the following guidelines:
- “Mould Abatement Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry”, Canadian Construction Agency, 2004 (CCA-82);
- IICRC S520 – Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation;
Recommended Mold Remediation Contractor Certifications
We recommend that if you are looking to hire a mold remediation contractor, that at a minimum, you verify that they currently hold the following certifications:
- IICRC – Water Damage Restoration; and,
- IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation;
The IICRC provides certification cards, which contractors should be able to present to you as proof of certification.
Recommended Insurance for Mold Remediation Contractors
We also highly recommend that your mold remediation contractor is insured and can provide proof of insurance that includes pollutions releases for mold remediation projects.
Basic contractor liability insurance does not cover any mould-related work that a general contractor may perform. As such, we highly recommend that general contractors do not perform mold remediation work unless they hold the certifications listed above, as well as insurance that specifically covers potential mold pollution releases.