Do not eat, drink or smoke in the contaminated area, since disease-causing organisms from mould spores or if problem has been caused by flooding, sewage could be present
Do not mix biocides on surfaces where food is prepared or eaten, dispose of Biocides carefully flush down the toilet, this will dilute the products to an acceptable level
It is unlikely that a home can be completely condensation free, even a new one, however by keeping your property properly maintained and thinking about the
lifestyles issues you should be able to control condensation to an acceptable level.
Who is Liable?
Causes of mould growth from straightforward building defects are without doubt the landlord’s responsibility in a Social Housing.
All landlords need to be aware of the potential problems which damp, excessive condensation and mould growth can cause and should take steps to minimise the risks.
This may be different in Commercial properties where the tenant takes on repairing responsibilities if this is a requirement of the Lease or Rental Agreement
Mould Aspergillus
Different mould species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive Mould growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species.
Excessive Mould growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.
Aspergillus spp
Aspergillus is the most common genus of fungi in our environment with more than 160 different species of Mould. Sixteen of these species have been listed as causing human disease. Aspergillosis is now the 2nd most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States .
Aspergillus fumigatus.
The most common species causing infection. It can be found in decomposing organic material, such as self-heating compost piles, since it readily grows at temperatures up to 55 C. People who handle contaminated material often develop hypersensitivity to the spores of Aspergillus and may suffer severe allergic reactions upon exposure.
Aspergillus flavus
Aspergillus flavus is the 2nd most encountered fungi, in cases of Aspergillus infection. It is also known to produce the mycotoxin aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. In the 1960s, 100,000 turkey's in Great Britain died from ingesting contaminated feed. Most countries have established levels for aflatoxin in food. However, the risks associated with airborne exposure are not adequately studied and no exposure standards exist.
Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus niger is the 3rd most common Aspergillus fungi associated with disease, and the most common of any Aspergillus species in nature due to it_ s ability to grow on a wide variety of environments. This species may cause a _ fungal ball_ , which is a condition where the fungus actively proliferates in the human lung, forming a ball. It does so without invading the lung tissue.
Stachybotrys chartarum (atra)
This group of moulds can thrive on water damaged, cellulose-rich material in buildings such as plasterboard, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, wallpaper, etc. In the majority of cases where Stachybotrys is found indoors, water damage has gone unnoticed or ignored since it requires extended periods of time with increased levels of moisture for growth to occur.
Stachybotrys is usually black and slimy in appearance. Flooding and wet areas that are quckly dealt with tend to support the growth of more xerophilic fungi such as Pencillium and Aspergillus.
Stachybotrys is another fungi that has the ability to produce mycotoxins, ones that are extremely toxic, suspected carcinogens, and immunosuppressive. Exposure to these mycotoxins can result through inhalation, ingestion, and skin exposure. Symptoms of exposure include dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, general malaise, and fever.
Moulds
Sometimes referred to as black moulds, even though mould can come in a variety of colours, can cause a wide array of adverse responses in humans depending on the type and quantity present. However, these are not the lone factors when considering the health affects to mould exposure. Since dose and human response can be highly individualistic, the sensitivity of the person exposed is also an important consideration. For example, infants and young children, the immune-compromised, and the elderly are at an increased risk of experiencing adverse health effects related to mould exposure.
There are many routes of exposure to moulds including dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The health risks associated with mould exposure include, but are not limited to: allergic reactions, irritation associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), invasive disease, mycotoxicosis.
Allergy
Allergic reactions are elicited when a substance such as mold that is not harmful in itself causes an immune response in susceptible individuals. The most common symptoms of an allergic response to increased levels of mould range from runny noses, itchy-watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation to more severe symptoms caused by chronic conditions such as sinusitis and asthma.
Fungi
Produce Volatile Organic Compounds during the process of degrading substances to obtain nutrition. The VOCs are the cause of the typical _ mouldy/musty_ smell commonly associated with fungal contamination indoors. Exposure to high levels of VOCs may irritate the mucous membranes and the central nervous system leading to symptoms of headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration, and dizziness.
Invasive Disease
This type of disease is uncommon. It is an opportunistic infection caused by exposure to microorganisms that don’t normally produce disease in healthy individuals, but affects those persons with abnormally functioning immune systems. For example, those with HIV/AIDS or those receiving immunosuppressive drugs such as transplant or chemotherapy patients. |
