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In recent years, the issue of mold in
buildings has increasingly attracted
public attention. Even though mold has
inhabited the planet for millions of years,
it has only recently become a serious
concern to many people, legitimate in
some cases, exaggerated in others.
Mold is a type of fungus, commonly
referred to as mildew whose spores, or
seeds, are everywhere, both floating in
the air and dusting all exposed surfaces
in North America, there are over 1,000
species of mold.
Most molds do not affect humans and
the majority of humans are not affected
by any type of mold at all. So what has
changed to make mold the major problem
it has become?
What we know today that we did not know
before is that some people are affected
by some molds in a number of ways
including asthma, infection and sickness.
For mold to establish itself in a building,
four conditions are required:
•moisture
•suitable temperature
•organic material
•mold spores
Mold will grow at locations which are
periodically damp, such as inside a wall
at a leak location, and will go dormant, but
not die, during periods when the moisture
level is too low to support growth.
Understanding Molds
•Mold is a natural substance that
is
present everywhere.
•Mold can be harmful or helpful,
depending on where it grows.
•Mold needs moisture to grow.
•Mold does not grow on dry materials.
•Mold growing inside a condo can affect
the occupants.
•Occupants can learn to recognize mold.
1.888.348.8991
What are Molds?
Molds are microscopic fungi, a group of
organisms which also include mushrooms
and yeasts. Fungi are highly adapted to grow
and reproduce rapidly, producing spores in
the process.
You encounter mold every day. Foods spoil
because mold. Leaves decay and pieces of
wood lying on the ground rot due to mold.
That fuzzy black growth on wet window sills
is mold. Paper of fabrics stored in a damp
place get a musty smell that is due to the
action of molds.
Molds can be useful to people. The drug
penicillin is obtained from a specific type of
mold. Some foods and beverages are made
by the actions of molds. The good kinds of
molds are selected and grown in a controlled
fashion.
Molds are undesirable when they grow where
we don’t want them, such as homes. Over
270 species of mold have been identified as
living in Canadian homes. Molds that grow
inside may be different from the ones found
outdoors.
Toxic Mold
The term “toxic mold” is generally applied to
large concentrations of the mold identified
as “aspergillos/penicillum” or “Stachyborys”
It is not uncommon for it to appear as a dark
slightly fuzzy or raised stain.
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CCI GROUP
SCIENCE • ENGINEERING • SOLUTIONS
NEWSLETTER
CONTACT
TORONTO
905.856.5200
MONTREAL
514.342.1422
CALGARY
403.827.4267
VANCOUVER
604.553.4774
your single source engineering firm
CONDOS AND MOLD.. (cont.)
unit in many ways, through open windows
or doors, on clothing, pets, food or furniture.
What Makes Molds Grow?
Molds will grow if we provide them with The problem starts when mold grows inside
moisture and nutrients. If we keep things the unit.
dry, molds do not grow.
Some mold growing, for example on the
High moisture levels can be the result of window sill but not elsewhere, is not a cause
water coming in from the outside, through of concern. You can clean the mold yourself.
walls or from plumbing leaks; or moisture The presence of mold is a sign that there
produced by the people living in the is too much moisture in your condo – a
condo, through daily activities like bathing, situation which must be corrected.
washing clothes or cooking or through the
use of humidifier to add moisture to the air. Mold that is isolated inside walls and which
Moisture accumulates within a condo when cannot easily come in contact with the
there is not enough ventilation to expel that occupants is less of an immediate concern
but should be dealt with by the Condominium
moisture.
Board.
Why are Molds a Concern?
Damage to materials is one concern.
Materials get stained or discoloured, and
over time they are ruined. Moldy paper and
cardboard disintegrate over time. Fabrics
are damaged.
When molds are growing inside the home,
there may be a health concern. Molds
release chemicals and spores.
Health experts indicate, that depending
on the type of mold present in a home.
the amount and degree of exposure, and
the health condition of the occupant, the
health effects of mold can range from being
insignificant to causing allergic reactions
and illness.
How Can you Tell if it is Mold?
Discolouration is a sign of mold. However,
all discolouration is not due to mold.
Carpeting near baseboards, for example,
can be stained by outdoor pollution
entering the home. Stains or soot may
also be caused by the smoke from burning
candles or cigarette.
How Much Mold is Growing?
Mold is considered to cover a “small area”
if it is no longer than the size of a standard
garbage bag folded in half (crosswise or
lengthwise). If there is another mold patch
beyond two garbage bag lengths away it is
considered a separate patch (otherwise it
all counts as a larger patch). Clean up small
areas yourself using a detergent solution,
Smell/Odour sometimes molds are hidden household rubber gloves and a dust mask
and cannot be seen. A musty or earthy smell for protection.
often indicates the presence of molds.
Is There is a Mold Problem?
Molds are always found in the air outside
and in all buildings. They come into the
ccigroupinc.ca
1.888.348.8991
[email protected]
CCI GROUP
SCIENCE • ENGINEERING • SOLUTIONS
NEWSLETTER
your single source engineering firm
CONDOS AND MOLD...
(cont.)
Small moldy areas may become larger
over time if ignored, so it’s important to
clean up and remove even small patches
of mold.
CONTACT
If the patch of mold is smaller than x 4 x 8
foot sheet of plywood or drywall, the mold
area is considered “moderate”. You can
clean up moderate amounts of mold but
you must follow the proper procedures
and use the proper protective equipment.
TORONTO
A mold area is considered “extensive” if
a single patch of mold is larger in area
than a sheet of plywood. Do not attempt
to clean up large areas of mold yourself.
905.856.5200
MONTREAL
514.342.1422
CALGARY
403.827.4267
VANCOUVER
604.553.4774
Cleaning up Small Mold Areas and
Preventing Mold Growth
Washable Surfaces
Scrub with a detergent solution, then
sponge with a clean, wet rag and dry
quickly.
Moldy Drywall
Clean the surface with a damp rag using
baking soda or a bit of detergent. Do not
allow the drywall to get too wet.
Mold that comes back after cleaning
is usually an indication that a source of
moisture has not been removed. Seek
professional help.
ccigroupinc.ca
1.888.348.8991
Preventing Mold
•Keep the condo dry
•Find and fix water leaks
•Discard clutter and excess stored materials
•Clean and maintain the condo regularly.
•Encourage lifestyle practices that reduce
moisture
Basic Steps to Prevent and Reduce Mold
Growth
1. Mold needs moisture to grow. Controlling
the moisture and keeping the condo dry
prevents the growth of mold.
2. Check your condo for signs of moisture
and molds.
3. Find out if water is coming in from the
outside and if substantial moisture is
produced inside the condo.
4. Report any water leaks, moisture of
molds to the Condominium Board
promptly.
5. Think of the different ways moisture
is produced inside the condo (for
example, cooking, bathing, numerous
indoor plants,humidifier unit). Remove
the moisture as it is produced by using
exhaust fans. In the absence of fans,
open windows for a short time, but note
that the wind can push the moisture to
other parts of the unit.
6. Measure how much moisture is in the air.
To find the relative humidity in your unit,
you’ll need a hygrometer. You can buy
one at a hardware store or electronics
store. A hygrometer costs from $5 to $20.
Relative humidity in the home should be
between 30 and 50%.
7. Reduce the amount of stored materials,
especially items that are no longer used.
Molds can grow on fabrics, paper, wood
and practically anything that collects
dust and holds moisture.
8. Skypak Closet (HVAC Equipment)
9. Regularly clean the room and replace
furnace filters.
10.If you notice molds or signs of dampness,
such as water on your windows or wet
spots elsewhere, do not humidify.
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