Research on Deadly Mould

The first case of people known to be seriously affected by mould was in 1993 in New York. People were dying through exposure to large quantities of mould. The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have since set up guidelines on assessment and removal of mould. These guidelines are currently being used in Australia.

Mould is present everywhere and there are over 100,000 species. Mould is more likely to grow where there is water or where it is damp and it can grow rapidly. When mould is disturbed its spores are released into the air, which can result in many people suffering from respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches and flu-like symptoms. There are current studies to determine if there is also a link to the increase in asthma, especially in children.

"The biggest mould project I have dealt with was up in the Northern Territory and required the entire building to be demolished," said Kees Smit, an occupational hygienist at Environmental Health Services in Geelong. "The clean-up costs on this project was around $2 million." When building components such as supporting beams, walls, heating and air-conditioning systems are exposed to excessive moisture and over such a long period, severe contamination can occur.

The possible effects

Allergic reactions such as a runny nose, congestion, sore eyes and coughs can also occur with exposure to mould. As a natural growing substance, we are unable to stop it from reproducing. Certain types of mould can cause serious illness while others can be the answer to many diseases.

So how does your house or workplace compare with what the experts are claiming? Smit says most visible moulds in the average bathroom are not a problem as the quantity is fairly small. When mould appears in large quantities issues arise. If several people in the home or workplace are suffering from continual respiratory problems, a professional inspection may need to be carried out to eliminate a mould problem. After numerous studies on mould and its effects on us, many reports have results that would astound you. Over 60 species of mould are now known to be deadly or to cause serious health problems.

In small amounts, mould spores are usually harmless. When the spores are in the trillions and the area is small, a problem exists. Mould thrives in a humid climate - pot plants leaking inside, washing machine and/or dishwasher overflowing, and even a leaking waterbed may cause mould to start growing. The more serious causes are water damage from floods.

Mould Remediation

Mould remediation is still in its early days but the problem is growing. Mould remediation expert Oliver Threlfall says around 20 per cent of the population is usually affected by mould and some side effects can be serious. The high risk category is babies, the elderly, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women, burns victims and those with a low immune system.

"Personally, I was a non-believer before I went over to the US for training. After the remedial training and seeing first hand the serious effects too much exposure to mould can cause, I have changed my attitude and am now a true believer." said Threlfall.