Mould Remediation

Over the last few years, mould and fungal contamination in our homes and offices has come into the spotlight. Referred to by many as “the new asbestos”, there seems little doubt of the potential for mould to cause serious ill health effects to those exposed to high levels of contamination.

Mould is suspected of being a major factor in cases of Sick Building Syndrome. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from asthma, pulmonary sensitivity and weakened immune systems. Recent studies have suggested a link between stachybotrys (a type of mould sometimes found on damp gypsum board) to brain damage, bleeding lungs and several deaths of infants in the USA. 

Mould can grow just about anywhere and on just about anything. Its main need is moisture to thrive (relative humidity above 60% is ideal for growth), and it can be very hardy and difficult to remove. It can grow back in a previously cleaned area if moisture returns due to dormant spores left behind or re-deposited from other contaminated areas after cleaning. The main factor in the control of mould contamination is to reduce the moisture available for its growth. 

Wherever mould is visible or reasonably presumed to be present, it is in the best interests of all parties involved to employ a professional mould remediation contractor to carry out a full investigation and remediation of the contaminated area. Incomplete or inappropriate techniques can lead to re-contamination, escalated costs and further ill health effects for the occupants.

The process of remediation 

Firstly investigation and cure of the source of water or humidity providing the conditions for growth, secondly the removal or complete decontamination of visibly affected materials, and lastly the removal of spores from adjacent areas to prevent recontamination.

In some instances it may be necessary to set up a containment area to protect building occupants in unaffected areas of the structure whilst the decontamination work is carried out. This is achieved by using negative air pressure and hepa filtration.

Buildings with air conditioning systems installed will require thorough cleaning of the air ducts and air-handling units as a critical stage of the decontamination procedure. Since the air conditioning system circulates air through the building it can carry large numbers of mould spores to previously unaffected areas.

Mould contaminated materials from the affected area are double bagged prior to removal in order to prevent unprotected individuals coming in contact with them, and the spread of spores to other unaffected areas.

Soft furnishings and anything made from natural cellulastic materials (such as leather items) require very thorough cleaning. Some heavily contaminated items may be un-restorable due to penetration of the fungal growth into the material.