Mould: what is it?
Mould consists of microscopic fungi that grow on organic material like wood and gypsum wallboard that has got wet or been exposed to excessive humidity. Mould is everywhere in nature, and is not a threat in and of itself. In confined spaces in a home, however, mould releases compounds into the air that can be harmful to health.
Mould: where is it found?
Mould often develops around windows as well as in fabrics, carpeting and walls in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or basement spaces.
It is detectable as stains or fuzzy or powdery-looking deposits. To make sure you are dealing with mould and not efflorescence related to humidity in concrete or masonry, pour a sample into a glass of warm water. If the deposits don’t dissolve, they are mould.
Mould can also be hidden or invisible, growing behind a wall covering (such as wallpaper) or on the inside of a building’s exterior walls. In such cases, its presence is detected mostly by its earthy (or mouldy!) odour. If you suspect there is mould hidden behind a wall or ceiling, don’t panic: it doesn’t mean you have to tear everything down. A building expert can test for it using an electronic moisture meter.
How can mould affect my health?
Some people aren’t sensitive to mould, while others develop symptoms similar to those of a cold: irritation of the eyes or throat, a runny nose or sinus congestion. If nothing is done about the problem, some symptoms may degenerate, leading to allergies, aggravated respiratory illnesses, and even a weakened immune system.
The scope of health problems depends on the following factors:
The type of mould;
The duration and degree of exposure;
The pre-existing state of health of the home’s occupants
Those most vulnerable to mould include infants, young children, the elderly, people susceptible to allergies, immunosuppressed people (e.g., living with AIDS or receiving chemotherapy), and those with respiratory diseases
Good to know
To find out if the air in your home is the source of your health issues, spend a few days somewhere else. If the symptoms subside but then return when you come back home, get an expert opinion. This operation involves collecting samples onsite following by laboratory analysis to identify the type of mould. An allergy test will confirm the final diagnosis.
What should I do about mould?
If you’ve discovered mould in your house:
Start by identifying the cause, and then immediately take the necessary corrective actions and clean affected surfaces.
In the event of a health problem, contact the Info-Santé service in your region and, if need be, see a doctor.
Should you have the air analyzed?
Air and dust analyses are usually not useful for resolving an issue with mould. You should, however, consult a specialist if large amounts of mould recur even after repeated cleanings, rooms remain excessively humid, or a family member has a health issue that seems to worsen if they are in the area(s) where mould was detected.
How do I keep mould out of my house?
The only way to prevent mould is to keep your home’s interior dry at all times:
Insofar as is possible, maintain a humidity level between 30% in winter and 55% in summer;
Use a kitchen range hood that vents to the outside and an air extractor (fan) in every bathroom;
Make sure your clothes dryer air duct is properly connected to an outside exhaust;
Locate traces of moisture and water infiltration, identify their source, and correct the situation as soon as possible. Dry out any humid or wet materials, ideally within 48 hours.
Do you need personalized advice on your home?
Our Residential Advisory Services counsellors are there to answer your questions and support you when you need it. Ask for their advice as often as you like. It’s one of the benefits of membership.
