by Irvin Herman
22/05/2023
Mould is a common problem in many homes and commercial spaces. But how do you know when you need a professional mould assessment? A mould assessment is more
than just collecting samples of suspicious growth. It is a process of evaluating the extent and cause of mould growth and formulating a plan to solve the mould problem. Here are some situations when you should consider a mould assessment:
- You smell a musty odour in your home. A musty odour is a byproduct of metabolizing microorganisms. It indicates that they are actively growing, even if you don't see any visible signs of it. Mould can grow behind walls, under carpets, or in hidden areas that are hard to reach.
- Your home has recently been flooded or suffered from water damage. Mould can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion, so it is important to act quickly and dry out your home as soon as possible. However, some materials may be too wet and difficult to get the moisture out or may be too damaged to salvage because of the extend of the proliferation of mould. A mould assessment can help you identify which materials need to be discarded and which ones are able to be cleaned and restored.
- You or your family members have health problems related to mould exposure. Mould can cause a variety of health issues, such as allergies, sinus irritation, asthma, respiratory infections, rashes, headaches, and more. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, and some types of mould are more dangerous than others. A mould assessment can help you determine if the causes of you or your family's symptoms are mould related.
A mould assessment should be performed by a qualified professional who has the training and experience to conduct a thorough and accurate evaluation of your home. The professional should also provide you with a written report that includes the findings of the assessment and recommendations for correction of the problem so that it does not reoccur. A mould assessment is an essential step to ensure that your home is safe and healthy for you and your family.
REFERENCES
Ward, John. “Types of Mould by Health Effects, Toxicity and Color - Mould Busters.” Mould Busters, Apr. 2020, www.bustmould.com/resources/about-mould/types-of-mould.
Wentland, Meghan. “How Much Does Mould Inspection Cost?” Bob Vila, Aug. 2022, www.bobvila.com/articles/mould-inspection cost/#:~:text=Experts%20at%20New%20York%20Mould%20Specialists%20suggest%20that,notice%20stains%20on%20your%20furniture%20or%20building%20materials.%E2%80%9D.
Melling, Steve. “When You Should Consider a Mould Inspection.” American Mould Experts, March 2016. https://americanmoldexperts.com/category/mold-inspection/
Pawlukiewicz, Amy. “Should I Get a Mould Inspection?” Angi, Nov. 2021. www.angi.com/articles/do-i-need-mould-inspection.htm.