Mould
About Mould | Mould Training | Mould Testing | Mould Information | Mould Links
Note: The Canadian spelling is mould; the U.S. spelling is mold.
About Mould
Moulds are a natural part of our environment, serving an important function in biological cycles, however mould overgrowth in our immediate environment can pose a substantial health risk. If you suspect a mould problem it is important to address its removal right away.
Identification through testing can be of interest for a number of reasons including identification of mould types present and comparative indoor and outdoor levels, but it can also be expensive and inconclusive. If you seek to prove the presence and the levels of mould in your home, for instance, it is important that recognized collection, identification and testing methods are used.
Fundamentally for your health, if you see, smell or feel the effects of mould, finding the source and its appropriate removal are vital. Moulds require moisture to grow. Discovery and removal of moisture and improved ventilation to the area are basic first steps to reducing surface and airborne moulds and their toxins.
During cleanup, spores can be dispersed in greater quantity. Depending on the size and scope of the job various safety procedures may be used, including evacuation, respirators, sealing off effected areas etc.
Porous materials that have become mouldy such as upholstery, wood, paper, drywall, etc should be discarded. Hard surfaces can be cleaned.
Toxic chlorine bleach has often been recommended for mould cleanup, however it also can cause health effects. For cleanup of household surfaces, a tolerated soap or detergent, or borax can be effective. A good rule of thumb is: If you cannot clean something, get rid of it.
Remember the keys to living without mould overgrowth are moisture control, lots of fresh air and sunshine. Please see links listed below for more detailed information.
Mould Training
Mould Certification
- Online Mould Training & Mould Certification: Study Mould at Home
Testing for Mould
Mould Inspection, Testing and Remediation
- Toxic Mould, Black Mould, Household Mould Problems, & Toxic Black Mould Damage Information Center
- Mould Inspector
- Dr. Fungus
- Toxic Mould Remediation in Ohio
Obtaining Information
Information Sources
- The Lung Association pollution & air quality
- Tenant Health Issues: - apartment toxic mold, cockroaches, asthma, mice, lead paint, indoor air quality (hosted by Ontario Tenants)
Mould Links
Canadian Government Links
- Indoor Air Quality - Moulds and Fungi - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Dampness, Mould and Indoor Air - Health Canada
- Fighting Mould - The Homeowners' Guide - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- Indoor Air Quality (PDF - 172KB) - Government of Alberta (see Appendix 4 — Mould)
US Government Links
- Mould Resources - US Environmental Protection Agency
- Indoor Air Quality in Large Buildings - US Environmental Protection Agency
- Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments - New York City Department of Health
- Mould Resources - New York City Department of Health
- Mould in My Home: What Do I Do? - California Department of Health Services. PDF available
- Sector Resources: Mould - Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
- AIHA Mould Resources - American Industrial Hygiene Association links
www.ehabc.org/mould.html
Updated September 9, 2009
