Remedies: mould

Mould is common when moisture is present, and can be harmful to health.

Presence of mould

Where moisture levels have been high or there has been a leak, mould may initially be seen on painted and papered walls and ceilings, and on fabrics. Mould may also be found when structural elements are exposed during demolition and renovation work, inside walls, under the floor or behind linings. 

Moulds are fungi and require moisture and a food source to grow. They reproduce by releasing vast numbers of tiny spores. There is no effective way of eliminating mould, but it can be controlled by controlling indoor moisture levels.

If inhaled in large quantities, some mould spores may cause health problems such as allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, skin rashes and, occasionally, more serious symptoms. Appropriate precautions must be taken to ensure that building occupants and anyone working on the building are not exposed to health hazards from mould during renovation or repair work. 

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Removal and clean-up for non-toxic moulds

The moulds most commonly seen on surfaces around the house are generally not toxic. To remove them, wash the surface with warm water and household detergent, using a cloth or scrubbing brush depending on the surface. Rinse with clean water and allow the surface to dry thoroughly.

If you wish you can then disinfect or sanitise the surface by repeated treatments with methylated spirits, but ensure the area is well ventilated.

Mould may be removed from fabrics by washing.

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Stachybotrys chartarum

Some types of moulds produce toxic compounds. Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxic mould that is associated with the leaking building problems that New Zealand has experienced in recent years. Leaks originating from outside the building and from wet areas in the building provide the environment suitable for Stachybotrys to grow.

Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mould that grows on materials containing cellulose such as wood fibreboard, fibre-cement, the lining paper of gypsum board, kraft paper wall and roof underlays, wallpaper and timber when it is subject to repeated wetting. It is almost always within the wall cavity, not within the rooms.

Finding Stachybotrys in a building does not immediately mean that the building occupants have been exposed to allergens or toxins. While it is growing, a wet slime covers the Stachybotrys spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. Exposure only occurs when the mould has died and dried up.

Testing for Stachybotrys 

If Stachybotrys is suspected, investigate from outside if possible, by carefully removing a small portion of cladding (or lining, if access is easier from the inside) so a sample of the mould can be taken for testing. Wear a mask or breathing filter and disposable gloves and ensure that no skin is exposed.

Follow the procedure described below to take a sample:

  1. Place a strip of clear adhesive tape over the mould and press firmly. Around 100 mm will be long enough – the important thing is to make sure that what is being sampled by the tape is representative of the discolouration on the building material surface.
  2. Remove the tape and place onto non-stick baking paper. Fold the paper around the tape and place in a plastic bag.
  3. Securely seal the bag. 
  4. Send the sample to a testing laboratory such as Biodet Services Ltd (www.biodet.co.nz), Airlab Ltd (www.airlab.co.nz) or Plant Diagnostics (www.plantdiagnostics.co.nz). 

Building material samples affected by mould (plasterboard, carpet etc.) can also be submitted for testing if this is possible and the property owner provides their permission for this more invasive testing.

Removal and clean-up procedures for toxic moulds

If toxic mould is found in a building, a specialist contractor should be employed to carry out the removal. Where wall cavities have been opened up and mould is found, it is recommended that the wall cavity be sealed until remediation can take place.