From understanding health concerns, through to the best ways to prevent mould growth
Mould is more than just unsightly; it’s a health hazard that’s often underestimated. And, without proper treatment, it’s a legal liability. To ensure you’re keeping your home healthy, whether you’re an owner, a landlord, or a tenant, it’s important to be able to identify what is and isn’t mould, how to detect places where mould might start to develop, and what to do if you do end up needing mould professional removed.
As experts in professional mould remediation aligned with IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification) S520 standards, we know a thing or two about mould, how to remove it, and how to keep your space free of it so that it doesn’t become a problem.
The TL;DR (too long, didn’t read)
- Mould’s impact isn’t just to aesthetics: it’s a risk to both health and to your home’s structure
- Don’t just expect to see fuzzy green patches: keep an eye out for condensation, discolouration on carpets and ceilings and even allergy symptoms – these could all indicate a mould issue!
- Mould isn’t an easy enemy – it can return if not properly dealt with! Call in the professionals and shield yourself from the health impacts and building damage.
What is Mould?
Mould is a natural lifeform, and it’s everywhere in our natural world. Within our homes, it thrives in places where there is excessive moisture and poor ventilation.
While there are over 300,000 species of mould worldwide, it’s about 50 of those that we’re generally concerned with when it comes to indoor health risks and property damage. While mould is natural and normal, it’s not welcome in a healthy home – and sometimes proper ventilation isn’t enough to curb an existing problem.
Mould vs. mildew
You’ve likely heard these two terms used together- and the definition between the two is slight but still important. Mildew is a type of mould, but it’s generally considered less invasive: it’s the kind of thing you can wipe away. Mould can take hold of a surface and is considered more penetrating, often leading to property damage: you may need to replace walls, carpets, floorboards, or ceilings as a result.
Visible vs. hidden mould
Mould can hide out of sight. It loves dark, damp conditions, and is often found in spots that humans don’t disturb as much, such as behind furniture, appliances, and inside roofspaces and air conditioning systems. Just because you can’t see the mould at a glance, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not there!
When do you need to worry about mould exposure?
Mould spores – the reproductive particles of mould – can have negative health impacts on your health when inhaled. Sometimes, they can harm you even long before you know you have a mould problem! Preventative action is the best way to stop mould and mould spores from impacting your health and safety.
In Queensland, where we frequently deal with high humidity, mould growth can be rapid. This is especially true in the case of a major flooding event – whether it’s a natural disaster or from a burst pipe. We call these “Category 3 Water Events”, and these require urgent and intensive remediation. This can involve things like stripping out and sanitisation, and can take days to complete effectively.
We recommend acting as early as possible to prevent rapid mould growth – especially when your property has been inundated with water.
Common Types of Mould Found in Commercial Settings
We’re pretty familiar with the different forms of mould that we’ve come to see! Here’s a brief overview, so you can stay on top of it, too.
Aspergillus / Penicillium
Found both indoors and outdoors, this common mould type is potentially harmful to human health due to the spores it produces, especially for those with existing respiratory diseases. They look like little fuzzy patches, or even collections of powdery fluff – usually black, blue, green, white or yellow. They thrive in damp conditions and are commonly found on decaying organic material (including food).
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is one of the most common indoor and outdoor moulds, and can aggravate allergies and asthma. It can be black, green, or brown and tends to appear in spots.
Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould)
This type of mould is well-known as a more dangerous kind of mould – especially for those with weakened immune systems. This type of mould requires high humidity and plenty of moisture to grow – it’s often found in water-damaged buildings, or where there are persistent leaks. This mould is known for its health impacts, as it can produce toxic particles called mycotoxins, which have been connected with severe health problems, from respiratory difficulties through to neurological complaints.
Basidiospores
Badiospores are the spores of fungi from the phylum basidiomycota, which includes fungi like mushrooms. They’re very commonly found outdoors, but can cause respiratory issues for at-risk communities and should not be ignored.
How to Identify Mould
Pay attention to the signs and minimise the impact that mould has on your home. From a musty smell through to water leaks, there are plenty of signs that mould has taken hold.
Look for…
- Coloured splotches or furry growths (usually green to black)
- Musky or earthy smell indoors
- Slimy, wet walls, damp areas, or water damage like cracked paint
- Allergy-like symptoms in people who live and work in the space
And remember, it’s much easier to prevent mould growth than to treat it. And again, it’s much easier to treat small patches of mould than full-on contaminations. If left unattended, even a small patch of mould can cross-contaminate an entire property.
What are the health risks?
To put it simply, it’s a fungus that grows from things called ‘spores’ – and when those spores are inhaled by humans, they can cause a whole suite of health problems. These vary in severity, but most types of mould can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing and sneezing, and can worsen symptoms of asthma. In certain cases and with certain kinds of mould, you could be at risk of fungal infections, neurological difficulties, nausea, fatigue and even liver damage. Your best tool against health risks is to remove the mould as quickly as you notice it. And work with a professional – someone who can identify the kind of mould and offer a complete removal and rehabilitation service.
Why Choose Cleopatra Cleaning?
Cleopatra Cleaning specialises in mould remediation – especially in the wake of water ingress or chronic leaks and humidity. We’re not just experienced, we’re qualified and certified to meet international standards. We’ve partnered with schools, insurance companies, hospitals, and commercial property owners, so we understand large-scale, highly sensitive projects. We’re your reliable partner in tough times and in high-risk situations, from roof leaks, storms, and floods.
If you suspect mould in your home or business, we’re your first port of call – get a quote and chat to our local team about the best solution for you.