Mould Alert! (Your Health Magazine)

Summer flooding left many Edmonton-area households with a pesky problem that could result in increased health hazards the longer it goes untreated.

Moulds, also known as fungi or mildew, are living organisms that are neither plants nor animals. While no building is free of the tiny, clumping spores, they absolutely thrive in damp, humid environments.

In higher concentrations, mould exposure can lead to wheezing, difficulty breathing, nose, eye and throat irritation, sinus congestion, coughing and skin rashes.

Stephen Probert, Capital Health's senior advisor of air quality, offers a few tips on identifying and treating a problem.

If the water was removed and the area completely dried within 48 hours of flooding, Probert says the chances of having a mould invasion are practically reduced to nil.

"The best rule of thumb is, if you see some discoloration or a speckled surface, wipe it up. If it comes back, then it's a pretty good indicator you have mould," he explains. Hot water and a good household cleaner are usually enough to take care of the superficial stuff, but he recommends calling in an expert if water damage was extensive.

"Look in the Yellow Pages under 'Environmental Consultants," Probert says. More severe cases, like those in which the water seeped deeply into drywall and insulation, may require remediation by the same professionals who deal with asbestos. Do-it-yourself removal of damaged housing materials should only be attempted if the affected area is less than 10 square feet.

The big thing, advises Probert, is to not let the problem go. Since moisture tends to climb up inside the walls, so will the mould. Not only do the rapidly reproducing spores pose a health risk when they're airborne, in the long term they can also contaminate water pipes and eat away at the structural integrity of your home.

- Natasha Mekhail

Your Health Magazine - September - October, 2004 Issue

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)