Mould: what is it?
Mould is a fungus, like mushrooms and yeast. It is present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mould tends to grow indoors in wet or moist areas lacking adequate ventilation, including:
- walls and wallpaper
- ceilings
- bathroom tiles
- carpets (especially those with jute backing)
- insulation material
- wood
In short, anywhere that moisture accumulates in a building, it’s likely that mould will grow. There are many different types of mould, and all have the potential to cause health problems.
Mould health risks
In order to reproduce, mould produces tiny particles called spores. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them.
Most people don’t experience any health problems from coming in contact with mould. But a minority do experience problems, which can include:
- running or blocked nose
- irritation of the eyes and skin
- wheezing
- asthma attacks
Occasionally, people may have more severe reactions. Very rarely, people may develop a mould infection, usually in the lungs.
Why choose Airsafe for mould testing?
Airsafe can undertake a mould inspection or clearance assessment following all legislative requirements.
At Airsafe, we’re proud of our methodical, systematic and diligent procedures for carrying out mould inspections and clearances. To undertake an inspection or clearance, an Airsafe staff member must:
- be completely familiar with the relevant documents
- undertake thorough mould assessment training in Airsafe’s procedures
- be signed off by a supervisor
- undergo routine reviews of mould testing skills and technique
If your occupational hygienist isn’t backed by rigorous procedures like Airsafe’s, there’s a risk that the premises won’t be thoroughly inspected, which can mean areas of mould are missed.
Contact us today for a fast quote on mould testing and assessments.
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For a mould assessment, an Airsafe occupational hygienist will perform a thorough inspection to determine the source of your mould issue. This is our mould inspection procedure:
- We determine the location of items that are contaminated with mould, or likely to be contaminated.
- We conduct viable mould surface sampling within the identified areas of concern, including a blank sample.
- We conduct airborne mould sampling within the identified areas of concern, including a control sample collected from the exterior of the premises.
- We conduct moisture sampling of building materials and items the occupational hygienist presumes to be wet.
- We undertake laboratory analysis of selected samples by a NATA accredited laboratory.
- We prepare a Mould Inspection Report.
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The Procedure to conduct a mould clearance assessment may include the following:
- We inspect the premises to see that recommendations from the mould inspection report have been carried out.
- We visually inspect all the previously identified areas of concern and record any interior odours, mould staining or water staining.
- We conduct viable mould surface re-sampling within the areas identified in the inspection assessment, including a blank sample which has not touched any surface.
- We conduct airborne mould re-sampling within the areas identified in the inspection assessment, including a control sample collected from the exterior of the premises.
- We conduct moisture sampling behind or surrounding previously identified wet building materials and items.
- We undertake laboratory analysis of selected samples by a NATA accredited laboratory.
- We prepare a Clearance Certificate.
In addition to microbial monitoring, we may undertake visual inspections and building moisture content readings to determine the susceptibility of construction material to mould colonisation.
Contact us for mould testing and inspections today
Airsafe is here to keep you safe with our comprehensive mould testing, inspections and assessment reports. When you need help with mould in Sydney, it’s best to get in touch with the experts on 1300 888 338.