Moisture and Mould Detection

mould_300.jpg Mould grows wherever it can find both food and water. As food sources are abundant in buildings, mould growth generally indicates the presence of excess moisture which may be due to numerous factors including leaking water pipes, flooding and condensation.

 

Moulds release toxins which may result in adverse health effects, including
  • allergies
  • asthma and other respiratory disorders
  • eye, nose and throat irritation
  • skin problems
  • fatigue
  • headache

Building wellness consultants determine the source of moisture associated with visible mould growth. Where possible, they also look for mould behind moist building materials.

Hence, existing mould should be removed and the moisture source eliminated to prevent further mould infestation. If only surface mould is present, remediation may simply involve removal of this mould and improved ventilation and air movement in the building. However, where flooding, leaking taps or broken roof tiles have resulted in more serious mould infestation, remediation may be more complex.

 

Mould sampling

A standard  moisture and mould detection procedure involves the use of a professional protimeter to identify excessively moist areas and trace the moisture to it's source. No mould sampling is involved.

Where you want to know mould spore counts inside v's outside or if identification of the mould species present in your building is required, special air sampling equipment, swabs or plates will be used and samples will be sent to a NATA accredited laboratory for analysis before results can be obtained.  

 

 

Building Wellness building biology service - Moisture and mould detection procedure

 

When conducting moisture and mould detection in a home or workplace, the consultant will 
  • Speak with you to determine your specific needs
  • Visit your site at an agreed time
  • Use a protimeter to determine moisture levels in building materials and furnishings in the required parts of the building
  • Determine sources of moisture
  • Look for mould infestation
  • Conduct mould sampling, if required. Samples will be sent to a NATA accredited laboratory for analysis before results can be obtained.
  • Discuss all findings
  • Explain areas of concern
  • Recommend the easiest and most cost effective ways to address areas of concern

A written summary of the major findings and recommended solutions will be provided electronically within 2 days of the assessment.  

A professionally bound written report, explaining toxic mould and it's possible adverse health effects and detailing all findings and recommended solutions, is optional. If required, it will be provided within one week of the consultation.


Cost of services

The cost of a moisture and mould detection assessment varies according to the building size and location and the level of testing and reporting required. Prices start at $150 for a basic moisture and mould detection procedure (excluding mould sampling and laboratory analysis) for a 1-2 bedroom apartment in the Melbourne metropolitan area. A summary of the major findings and recommendations is provided electronically.

We will be happy to provide a quote for your specific circumstances after discussing your requirements with you. Please contact us for further information.

 
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  • Building biology consultations in Brisbane

     

    A Building Wellness consultant will be available to conduct building biology assessments in Brisbane on Thursday 21st August and Friday 22nd August 2008. Services available will include electromagnetic field testing, radio frequency testing, geomancy, moisture/mould detection and indoor air quality assessment.

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    An article which was published recently in the Globe and Mail describes the adverse effects that toxic mould in buildings has had on the health of teachers and students in several Canadian schools. Symptoms experienced included itchy red skin rashes, hives, congestion, bloody noses, coughing attacks and respiratory problems. 

     

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