Mould is a natural part of both our environment and the ecosystem.

The significance of mould growth as an essential element in organic breakdown and regeneration continues to fascinate scientists worldwide as mould species number in their thousands with varying attributes and functions they can undertake.

The problem exists for human occupation and indoor living environments, as our structures are predominantly made of natural and manmade natural materials that mimic the ecosystem’s organic material where mould growth naturally occurs. Therefore, if found inside, some species of mould can adversely affect human health and damage structures.

We live with mould in our environment and, over time, have come to endure low-level exposure in the outdoors. The problem faced now is that indoor living environments affected by mould growth place significant exposure to our health in confined spaces on a daily basis.

Mould Facts: A Natural Concern

• Mould, mushrooms and yeast are all types of fungi.
• Fungi are found indoors and outdoors.
• Mould comes in various colours and appearance – furry, slimy or powdery in texture. Some species have a musty, stale and earthy odour that is indicative of ‘viable’ mould growth and active contamination, both airborne and surface damage.
• To grow, mould needs water, oxygen and food. It can grow almost anywhere there is water (moisture), high humidity or damp conditions. Some species prefer dry conditions that cause ‘rotting’ of timber structures, both dry and wet rot.
• Mould releases spores as it grows into the air that can contaminate other areas, whereby inhalation of these spores is a known medical fact of lung disease.
• Some people are allergic to mould. The most common symptoms of mould exposure are coughing, congestion, runny nose or breathing difficulty. Mould may cause severe symptoms for asthmatics and cause allergies such as severe rashes.
• Mould can produce toxins (mycotoxins) that cause severe illness or even death resulting from severe asthma conditions or allergic reactions if overexposure occurs
• Bleach and other chemical remedies may inhibit certain mould varieties in the short term but even mould remnants (spores and hyphae) contain mycotoxins that are hazardous to people if not removed sufficiently.
• Painting over mould growth will not kill it or seal it up.
• Mould spores are microscopic, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean you don’t have it.

The best treatment is to remove the source of contamination and locate moisture sources. Therefore, before mould remediation, you should detect and repair the source of moisture damage first, otherwise, the mould will return.

Why mould grows indoors

Mould growth results predominantly from water damage, leaking pipes, roof leaks, air conditioner contamination, flood damage, sewage overflow, rising damp, poor air circulation and high humidity. Left undetected, mould growth occurs quickly feeding off natural fibres and building products such as carpet linings, timber and other building materials. Most occupants clean the superficial visible growth, often referred to as ‘black mould’ whereby viable mould growth or colonies in undetected areas will continue to release spores into the indoor environment that contaminates other areas and affects human health.

Insurance Claim or Natural Disaster

Mould is predominantly caused by excess moisture and active colonies of mould spores contaminating a structure, that can be contributed to a natural disaster, damaged structures or biological hazards. Mould-related claims are quickly becoming a concern for insurance providers worldwide. Secondary claims for contamination and mould related illness is costing billions of dollars and – most importantly – loss of life due to inappropriate drying of wet materials, removal of contaminates, assessment of mould and restoration methodology. Contact your provider to discuss your individual circumstances for peace of mind.

Where to find mould

Common areas for mould growth consist of both visible and hidden locations where most people treat obvious contamination without considering discrete areas. If mould returns after cleaning external damage, growth is likely to be hidden under carpets, in walls, roof spaces, air conditioner units and ducts, subfloors, or inside cupboards and fixtures.

Testing Services

Blueys Cleaning Solutions utilises ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) monitoring to gain an appreciation of contamination levels in a structure. ATP tests provide instant results of pathogen levels in structures or surfaces to assist the technician in determining the extent and potential hazards that exist for occupants.

In conjunction with property examinations, moisture evaluations and external assessments we can offer a thorough remediation plan to solve mould-related issues. In severe cases, an Indoor Air Quality Hygienist (Industrial Hygienist) may be required to assist with remediation plans and final assessment.

For further information on mould-related illnesses, contact your local health physician to discuss your concerns.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to put up with the routine of running around and cleaning those unsightly mould stains that just keep coming back. Knowing that this is a sign of a serious level of mould growth and contamination that can lead to prolonged medical conditions, always contact a professional. For peace of mind, give your local Bluey’s technician a call on 1800 925 925 today.