Problems With Mould
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Mould is a serious eyesore and genuine health hazard, especially for young children. Often associated with sub-standard housing, it is not discriminatory in where it arises. Householders and commercial property owners need to be aware of its causes to ensure the chances of it occurring are minimised. Read on to find out why.
How Mould Comes About Moulds are what is known as ubiquitous. Moulds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. Moulds when they reproduce make spores, which can be carried by air currents. The spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. The spores need moisture to bring them to life and so they grow when they land on a moist surface Mould is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals. Dampness and poor ventilation create the conditions where they combine. This is often in areas which may be cleaned less often and they become visible as black, green or white staining. |
Mould as you normally see it - in the bathroom
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Summary - the common causes are.
Note: As yet there is no known way to date mould.
Mould Is A Health Hazard
The environment which works in their favour is one of dampness and poor ventilation.
When spores are present in large quantities, they can become a health hazard to humans, with the potential to cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some mould types also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.
Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful.
Solving Mould Growth
Common remedies for small occurrences of mould include:
As mould growth in buildings come from the presence of excess moisture its prevention or elimination mould comes from reducing moisture levels. The first step in solving an indoor mould problem is stopping the source of moisture. This can be expensive as maintaining a consistent air temperature is critical here. The recommended indoor air temperature to prevent mould growth is a consistency above 74° F (23.3° C). And just as important is to make sure air circulates.
Professional Remedies To Remove Mould
Significant mould growth may require professional mould remediation and removal of affected building materials. Local Councils are often faced with social and public housing which have developed chronic mould problems. This requires extensive and costly remedial action.
For any household or commercial property the cost of action can be high, but essential. It usually involves removing items and structural parts which have become infected irreparably with mould spores. Also - if areas have been badly affected by mould then they may have to be removed permanently as a further precaution.
- Nutrients: Food for spores in an indoor environment is organic matter, often cellulose.
- Moisture: Moisture is required to begin the decaying process caused by the mould.
- Time: Mould growth begins between 24 hours and 10 days from the provision of the growing conditions.
Note: As yet there is no known way to date mould.
Mould Is A Health Hazard
The environment which works in their favour is one of dampness and poor ventilation.
When spores are present in large quantities, they can become a health hazard to humans, with the potential to cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some mould types also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.
Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful.
Solving Mould Growth
Common remedies for small occurrences of mould include:
- Sunlight
- Ventilation
- Non-porous building material
- Household cleansers
As mould growth in buildings come from the presence of excess moisture its prevention or elimination mould comes from reducing moisture levels. The first step in solving an indoor mould problem is stopping the source of moisture. This can be expensive as maintaining a consistent air temperature is critical here. The recommended indoor air temperature to prevent mould growth is a consistency above 74° F (23.3° C). And just as important is to make sure air circulates.
Professional Remedies To Remove Mould
Significant mould growth may require professional mould remediation and removal of affected building materials. Local Councils are often faced with social and public housing which have developed chronic mould problems. This requires extensive and costly remedial action.
For any household or commercial property the cost of action can be high, but essential. It usually involves removing items and structural parts which have become infected irreparably with mould spores. Also - if areas have been badly affected by mould then they may have to be removed permanently as a further precaution.
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Where Is Mould Found
Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, together with carpets, and carpet padding are food for moulds. In carpets, invisible dust and cellulose (usually human skin) are the food sources . Beware Of Water If a single incident of water damage has occurred in a building, then mould spores will grow inside the walls but remain dormant until a subsequent incident of high humidity triggers their growth. This gives the impression that mould is a sudden problem as the preceding flood or water incident did not appear to produce it. It is just that the right conditions reactivate mould. And evidence shows that mycotoxin levels are perceptibly higher in buildings that have once had a water incident. |
Mould spores - close up and personal
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Final Summary
By working on the three components of mould growth this will reduce or eliminate its occurrence. These components are:
Remember everything is affected by mould, from window sills, wall and ceilings, to clothes and furniture.
For any help or "deep cleaning" needs give us a call on 01895 823923. Or Contact Us by email
By working on the three components of mould growth this will reduce or eliminate its occurrence. These components are:
- Moisture and damp removal
- Food source for the mould spores (dust, cellulose), which comes from regular cleaning
- Warm air circulation as mould generally grows in cold environments.
Remember everything is affected by mould, from window sills, wall and ceilings, to clothes and furniture.
For any help or "deep cleaning" needs give us a call on 01895 823923. Or Contact Us by email