Moulds are microscopic members of the fungus family, found everywhere in our environment. Mould plays an important role in our outdoor environment, helping to decompose organic matter such as leaves and wood. As mould grows it produces:
A network of fine white filaments that can become visible to the human eye
Seeds that can travel through the air to land elsewhere
Spores regularly enter the home through open windows and doors, clothing, pets, food, and furniture.
Water and food are the two essential conditions for mould to grow. Mould can become established in as little as 48 hours!
Certain types of mould require an extremely wet environment, while others require far less moisture to grow. Moisture resulting from any of the following problems can invite mould into your home:
Most types of moulds found in homes and buildings are not a health concern for healthy people. While some health problems are a result of exposure to mould, others are more difficult to prove. Health effects depend on the:
Pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk of health problems when exposed to mould.
Allergies to mould may develop in up to 5% of the population.
Once removed from the environment, allergies and irritation should disappear. Consult with your family doctor if you think you suffer from health effects due to mould exposure.
While we cannot eliminate mould from our environments completely, there are a number of ways to prevent mould growth in your home.
Whether you should clean the area yourself depends on the size of the mould growth.
(< 1 square meter in overall size)
A project manageable by homeowners. Be sure to follow proper procedures.
(> 1 square meter in overall size)
The Health Department recommends calling a professional experienced in mould cleaning and remediation.
Cleaning and removing mould may increase the amount of spores and other substances in the air, possibly exposing your skin to direct contact with mould. Follow the checklist below to protect yourself when cleaning mould.
Health Canada does not recommend testing the air for mould in most situations. The goal is to address dampness and clean any visible mould that could contribute to poor indoor air quality and health problems. For more information, please refer to Health Canada’s Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors (external link).
The first step to dealing with mould growth is to find the source of the moisture and remove it. If the mould returns after cleaning, then you can be sure the source of the moisture still exists.
Although it is possible for homeowners to clean small mould growth, remediation procedures can get complicated. Seek the assistance of an experienced contractor if you do not feel comfortable eradicating the mould growth yourself.
Follow the guide below for directions on how to clean mould:
Remove and dispose of any items that you can not get clean. Make sure to seal these in plastic before disposal. Seal and dispose of the HEPA vacuum contents and clean the washable parts of the vacuum.
Speed up the drying process by: