Moisture and Mould Detection

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 $165 (including GST) 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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Give the Gift of a Building Biology Home Assessment

Should you wish to give the gift of a building biology home assessment to a friend or family member within Australia, Building Wellness Gift Certificates are now available for purchase from our on-line shop . These certificates are available in denominations of AUD $50, $100 and $200 and can be used either to purchase products from our shop or as payment for a Building Wellness building assessment.

Health problems associated with compact fluorescent lights
While there are a couple of exceptions, newspaper and internet articles published during the last 7 months generally suggest that compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s), which are being promoted as energy-efficient replacements for incandescent globes, may aggravate health problems including migraine, eczema, seizures and lupus in light-sensitive people. Some countries, including Australia, plan to replace incandescent globes with CFL’s as one measure in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Use microfibre cloths to reduce dust
To reduce dust indoors, remove dust from furniture using either a damp cloth or a microfibre cloth, to trap the dust, rather than a “feather” type duster which disperses the dust back into the air. Walls and ceilings should also be damp-mopped occasionally.