Mould Investigations and Remediation

Moulds are simple, microscopic organisms present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Moulds, including all mushrooms and yeast, are fungi and are needed to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment.

Molds to grow and reproduce require:

• High or higher than usual moisture content
• stagnant air
• Poor ventilation
• Dark location
• Mould food source
• Correct temperature for given mould type.

Moulds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and continually float through outdoor and indoor air. Mould may begin growing indoors when mould spores land on a food source that is wet or damp.

It is important to note that mould is not always visible.  If you can smell a musty kind of odour, you may have hidden mould which could be causing health issues and structural damage.  Further investigation must take place.

Mould may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or panelling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mould include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Moulds have the potential to cause health problems. Moulds produce mycotoxins which are potentially toxic substances that produce allergic responses in some people. These responses are triggered when people inhale or touch mould or mould spores.

Most mould cases affect persons with an immune system deficiency — children under the age of two, adults over the age of 60, people with certain respiratory ailments or people who have had a recent surgery.

Health issues related to mould include:

• Respiratory problems including asthma and infections
• Eye irritation with burning, watery or reddened eyes
• Cough – dry and hacking
• Inability to concentrate
• Nausea/Diarrhoea
• Wheezing
• Nose or throat irritation or both
• Skin rashes or irritation
• Memory impairment
• Depression
• Body aches and pain (Chronic Fatigue)
• Food Intolerances and allergies
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nasal and sinus congestion

There have been recent studies linking mould exposure to certain cancers, such as leukaemia and breast cancer.

Mould remediation is a specialized field and should only be undertaken by skilled, certified and qualified companies and individuals.
Accom cleaning concepts is accredited by Mycologia Pty Ltd, which is one of Australia’s Leading Environmental Consultancies specialising in Environmental Mycology.

We approach all our mould remediation with a comprehensive mould assessment inspection.  Using several tools of the trade, we endeavour to investigate all visible and hidden mould and address the source of the problems.

At this stage accom cleaning concepts can take mould samples from the site and have them sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the species of mould and the level of concentration.

A detailed report will be produced by the lab detailing its finding and providing recommendations.  Next a mould remediation plan can be put in place according to the mould damage classification system.

Accom cleaning concepts practices according to the Australian Mould Guideline: AMG-2005-1 and the IICRC S520: Mould Remediation Standards

Accom cleaning concepts core principles in mould remediation is our duty of care to our clients, associates and team members.

Five Most Affected Councils In Sydney For Damp And Mould Issues
- Marrickville 63%
- South Sydney 55%
- Ashfield 52%
- Willoughby 52%
- Randwick 49%
Ten Most Affected Suburbs In Sydney For Damp And Mould Issues
1. Erskineville 76%	6. Surry Hills 59%
2. Newtown 69%	7. Lindfield 55%
3. Cammeray 68%	8. Naremburn 55%
4. Dulwich Hill 63%	9. Marrickville 54%
5. Stanmore 61%	10. Paddington 54%
Figures based on 2006 Statistics

 

Ventilation and Sky Lights

Due to our expertise in other areas such as structural drying techniques and ventilation installs and upgrades, which both have a close relationship with mould growth, damage and remediation, accom cleaning concepts can advise and provide a complete solution to all mould related matters.
Effective all round ventilation in a home or commercial building for the control of mould, dampness and odour is very important.

Appropriate and effective ventilation helps improve the indoor air quality and remove any excessive moisture from living spaces, sub floor, ceiling, attics and other cavity areas.
Having the correct ventilation systems in place ensures that the maximum benefits are achieved with air flow and the reduction in moisture which will prevent the rotting of materials and growth of mould and mildew.

There are several option and designs when considering affective ventilation.  There are natural and cost affective powered systems that you can consider.  Sky lights are also another great option to consider for the prevention of mould within your home or office.  One of the environments that mould breeds in is dark areas and areas that lack natural UV light.

Accom cleaning concepts can analyse your current situation and offer an appropriate ventilation solution.

All the systems we use are of the highest quality and standard and come with warranty against any design defects.