Some Facts About
Indoor Mould
What Is Mould?
Here are some facts about indoor mould:
It is a common term used to refer to some types of fungi.
Fungi also include mushrooms (or toadstools) and yeast.
Fungi are found both indoors and outdoors. They used to be
classified together with plants.
Moulds can be differentiated to some extent by their colours
such as green, blue, black and white. However, this is not a very reliable way
of identifying the type of mould since there are several types of that are
similar in colour.
Mould may appear furry, slimy or powdery. Some have musty,
stale or earthy odours. Odours are indicators of microbial growth and hence
moisture problems in the building.
For it to grow, mould needs water, oxygen and food. It can
grow almost anywhere there is water, high humidity or damp conditions. Some
require more water than others. The types that require more water are generally
used as indicators of moisture damage.
Some people are sensitive to moulds. The most common
symptoms of mould exposure are cough, congestion, runny nose or trouble
breathing. It can also worsen asthma symptoms or other allergies.
Black and White Mould
Bleach and other and chemicals may kill mould but it may
still cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Bleach is also not
recommended since if not properly used it can be dangerous to the health of
occupants.
The major route of indoor mould expore is through inhalation
of airborne spores, fungal fragments and mycotoxins. Moulds release tiny spores
and fragments which travel through the air.
Often attached to these are mycotoxins and allergens which are the main
ways that mould affects humans.
Painting over mould is not recommended since it will not
kill or seal it up.
Not all mould is visible. Therefore, just because you can’t
see it, doesn’t mean that you don’t have it.
The best way to control mould growth is to remove the water
and moisture sources.
Before you consider mould clean-up you should detect and
repair the moisture source first. Otherwise it will return.
In nature moulds break down organic material and recycle
nutrients in the environment. However,
moulds digest organic material and gradually destroy whatever they grow on even
your furniture, walls and floor if they get wet.
Visible mould on surfaces can easily be recognized by
various discolorations such as green, grey, brown, or black, even white and
other colours.
How are you exposed to mould spores?
We are all exposed to some levels of spores on a daily
basis, both indoors and outdoors without harm. It is common to find spores in
the air inside homes and offices mostly from outdoor sources. In summer outdoor
spore counts are several times higher than those of indoor environment. Spores
usually enter into the indoor environment through open doors and windows.
Mould spores primarily cause health problems when they are
present in large numbers and people inhale so many of them. This occurs
primarily when there is active mould growth within the home, office, workplaces
or school where people live or work.
People can also be exposed to mould by touching contaminated
materials, pets and by eating contaminated foods. If touching contaminated
materials, always wear gloves.
How To Clean-up Mould
Small amounts of mould can easily be cleaned up by use of
household detergent and water. It is important to ensure that the cleaned
surface is dried completely after clean-up. No special training would be
required to clean small amounts of mould (10 square feet or less). However, for
large amounts (more than 10 square feet), seeking professional help is advised.
Even when cleaning small amounts, it is important to an appropriate mask and
gloves for personal protection.
http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/PDF/Bulletins/Mould.pdf
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