Phrases like toxic mould or black mould are common on advertisements and the media. These phrases create fear, panic and confusion. It is a fact that exposure to mould can result to ill-health. However, some decisions on mould are based on fear rather than facts.
What You Should Know About Mould
- Mould is found everywhere. However, growth of mould at 60% relative humidity is highly restricted. We can therefore, control indoor mould growth by providing adequate ventilation and maintaining indoor humidity levels at 60% or less. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mould growth will often occur, if the moisture problem remains unnoticed or un-addressed for more than 48 hours. The key to mould control is timely maintenance and prompt repairs.
- About 150 different types of moulds occur in indoor environment. But not all these are harmful though to be safe it is better to treat all moulds as potentially harmful. The colour of the mould does not determine whether it is harmful or not. Therefore black mould is not necessarily bad mould. Mould related health effects depend on:
- types of mould present,
- amount of mould one is exposed to and for how long,
- individual health status or sensitivity. Children, elderly and sick people are more vulnerable to mould.
- It is difficult to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment. However, the levels can be minimised by controlling growth. Monitor mould growth by looking for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors, and windowsills.
What You Should NOT Do When You Find Mould
- Disturb the mould without proper personal protection and the protection of occupants.
- Try to clean more than 10 square feet of mould contamination if you are not trained to handle mould.
- Cause panic among the building occupants.
- Use a chemical to control indoor mould if such a chemical is not registered for mould control in indoor environment.Do you have a question on mould? Send it to My Question.