Moisture & Mould Testing

Mould is a type of fungi that thrives in moist environments due to water damage issues, moisture intrusion, high humidity levels, and inadequate ventilation. Mould can spread throughout a building in as little as 48 hours. It can grow out in the open or hidden in the roof, subfloor and wall cavities. To grow indoors, mould needs moisture and food. Moisture is the most important factor influencing mould growth indoors. As mould grows, it produces mould spores that are very small and easily float in the air, polluting your indoor air quality. Moisture control is the key to mould control.

Mould & Your Health

One in four people are unable to produce anti-bodies to fungi and the consequences of exposure to mould can have devastating long-term effects. Mycotoxins (fungal toxins) can cause a range of health problems with only a small amount of exposure. Mould spores polluting your indoor air can trigger existing health conditions or cause negative health effects, including (but not limited to):

• Chronic allergies ranging from mild to severe

• Infections

• Chronic Inflammation

• Irritation of the respiratory system

• Flu like or Hay fever like symptoms, runny nose, sneezing, persistent cough

• Fatigue

• Asthma and trouble breathing

• Irritation to the eyes, skin

• Skin rashes

• Headaches

Biocides / Chemicals

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a biocide or a chemical (chlorine bleach for example) to kill mould is not recommended as a routine practice during mould clean up by the US EPA. Dead mould is allergenic and may cause reactions and other health effects. The best approach is to remove the food (moisture) and remove all mould from the property.  

Why Hire a certified mould testing technician?

A certified mould testing technician is an individual who is qualified by knowledge, skill, education, training, certification and experience to perform an assessment of the fungal ecology of structures, systems, and contents at a job site. The tester creates a sampling strategy, samples the indoor environment and submits it to an appropriate laboratory, interprets laboratory data and determines the level of mould contamination to establish a scope of work and verify the return of the job site to a normal fungal ecology. According to the IICRC S520 - Standard for Professional Mould Remediation, the mould testing/assessment should be done by an independent tester with the relevant qualifications. Not having done so is considered a deviation from the standard.

As building biologists, we always act with honesty and integrity, in the best interest and the well-being of our clients.