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By
Online Friday,
July 22, 2011
Because any type of mould growth in elevated levels indoors
can harm occupant health, the prevention of indoor mould
problems in
Ontario
homes, offices, and workplaces can significantly improve the
health well-being of residents.
Here are the top twelve steps to prevent indoor mould
problems in residences and other buildings, as recommended
by Phillip Fry and Divine Montero, Certified Environmental
Hygienists, Certified Mold Inspectors, Certified Mold
Remediators, and webmasters of
http://www.canada-home-mould-inspection-inspector.com
and
http://www.moldinspector.com.
1.
Keep year-round indoor humidity to less than
sixty percent through adequate ventilation air movement and
the use of air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Indoor mould
grows very well when the indoor relative humidity is above
70%. In addition, minimize the use of live indoor plants,
which facilitate mould growth and increase indoor humidity
due to
frequent watering.
High humidity (close to a Great Lake, other lakes, Seaway,
and big rivers); roof leaks; roof ice dams; plumbing leaks;
frozen water pipes; basement wall, siding, and window water
leaks; internal air conditioning condensation/dust
accumulation; and ground water wicking up through concrete
floors and inside crawl spaces (e.g., beneath manufactured
homes) are the major causes of mould problems in metro
Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario Province.
2.
Keep indoor humidity levels low by never: (a)
using a humidifier to increase humidity; (b) hanging wet
clothes, towels, and linens to dry indoors; and (c) taking a
shower or bath without first turning on the bathroom exhaust
fan or opening a bathroom window to exhaust humid air to the
outdoors.
3.
Use a digital hygrometer to check humidity
levels in all rooms and areas of your house or condominium.
Record the humidity percentage and the measurement dates for
each room in a journal or log book.
4.
Clean window air conditioners, other air
conditioning equipment and ducts, air purifiers, and
dehumidifiers at least every three months to get rid of
accumulated organic dust and dirt (good mould food) and
mould growth. Air conditioners enable: (a) mould to grow
through the condensation of water from the cooled; (b) blow
airborne mould spores into the indoor living area.
5.
Install HEPA filters inside the
heating/cooling air supply duct registers, return air
register, and the fresh air supply intake to capture and
remove airborne mould spores from the air flow. Use portable
HEPA filter air cleaners to remove airborne mould spores.
6.
Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to vacuum carpeting
and rugs and mop tile floors daily to remove
deposited/landed mould spores and dirt and dust (good mould
food). Use borax laundry detergent in warm water to wash
down all walls, floors, kitchen and bathroom cabinets and
surfaces, and furniture and appliances at least monthly for
the same reason.
7.
Mould test the outward air flow from window
air conditioners and heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (hvac) duct registers and the air of each room
at least annually for elevated levels of airborne mould
spores. You can do it yourself with mould test kits from
http://www.envirodetectives.com/mold_test_kits.htm
8.
Use your nose to detect mould problems: if
you smell mould, there is mould growing, whether visible or
hidden.
9.
Inspect the roof, attic, exterior siding,
ceilings, walls, floors, rugs (both sides) wood furniture,
and behind and beneath furniture on a regular basis for
water leaks, water stains, water damage, and mould growth.
Mould causes visible discoloration of wood and other
building materials. Mould can be many colors including
black, white, blue, green, white, yellow, and pink.
10.
Inspect inside the attic (the open space
between ceilings and the roof), crawl space beneath a
building, basement, garage, and exterior siding regularly
for water leaks, water stains, water damage, and mould
growth. Such areas often have high humidity and water
intrusion problems that drive mould growth. Mould can then
grow upward or downward into adjoining floors, ceilings, and
walls above.
11.
Inspect bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room
plumbing areas (such as inside and beneath sinks and sink
cabinets) regularly for water leaks, water damage, and mould
growth.
12.
Monitor residents and employees’ health. Are
family members, residents, co-employees, guests, and/or
their pets suffering from health problems that may be
mould-related, such as chronic coughs or sneezing, sinus
problems, chronic tiredness, headaches, difficulty in
remembering and thinking, skin rashes, abnormal hair loss,
or breathing disorders?
If
someone is suffering chronic health problems, such problems
are a possible sign that the residence, office, or workplace
should be mould-inspected. Visit your doctor promptly for
help with any health problem. For inspection, use mould test
kits or contact a Certified Mould Inspector.
Mr. Fry is author of five mould advice ebooks: Mold
Monsters; Mold Health Guide; Mold Legal Guide;
Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Inspection, Testing, Remediation,
and Prevention; and Mold Home Remedy Recipes, all available
for download from
http://www.moldmart.net/ |
