Moulds emit tiny spores to reproduce. The spores are invisible to the naked eye and waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mould spores land on a damp spot indoors, they begin growing by digesting whatever they are resting on in order to survive. There are moulds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mould growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all moulds and mould spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture.

Ten things you should know about mould

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mould exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture.
3. If mould is a problem in your home or building, you must clean up the mould and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem to prevent mould growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60 percent) to decrease mould growth by:
1. venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;
2. using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
3. increasing ventilation; and,
4. using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth.
7. Clean mould off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials that are mouldy, such as ceiling tiles, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is likely to be a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting. This includes areas by drinking fountains, classroom sinks, on concrete floors, or other areas with leaks or frequent condensation.
10. Moulds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance – including wood, paper, carpet, and foods – providing moisture is present.

Allergic reactions to mould are common, and can be immediate or delayed. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mould. In addition, mould exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mould-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mould.

For more detailed information consult a health professional or your local health department.

How do I get rid of mould?

It is impossible to get rid of all mould and mould spores indoors; some mould spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mould spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mould growth can and should be prevented by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mould growth in your home, you must both clean up the mould and fix the moisture problem that’s causing the mould build-up. If the moisture problem is left to fester then the mould is likely to come back, despite all your hard work to clean it up.

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Inspectors’ Tip:

The Monster in the basement.
So you have bought a new fridge.

It probably uses less energy than the one it is replacing, (typically about 40% of a refrigerator manufactured 15 years ago). You decide it would be a good idea to put the old one in the basement to keep the beer and soft drinks in.

This may not be such a good idea when you consider the fact the refrigerator is the single biggest power consumer in many households. A typical refrigerator uses between 600 and 900 kilowatt hours per year, although an efficient one will use somewhat less (depending on the size). Refrigerators and freezers typically make up over 20% of total residential electricity consumption. Nearly all households have at least one refrigerator and about 30% own two. Nearly 60% of households own a separate freezer.

Refrigerators use the most energy of any home appliance. Here are some tips for efficient refrigerator use:

• Place refrigerators out of direct sunlight and away from the stove and other heat-producing appliances.
• Decide what features you really need and use. Through-the-door features like cold water or automatic ice dispensers can increase electricity usage by as much as 20 per cent compared to similar models without these extras.
• Buy an Energy Star approved refrigerator. A 2002 Energy Star refrigerator uses less than half the electricity of a standard 10-year-old model!
• There is no energy efficiency to be gained if you continue to use your old energy guzzler. If you buy a new refrigerator, safely dispose of your old one. (That means making sure it is either locked and chained up; a rubber stopper is affixed; the doors are removed; or some other measure is taken to prevent curious children from getting trapped inside where they may be asphyxiated.)
• Find cold storage spaces to store fresh foods safely without using any electricity.

Reduce Global Warming

We are the reason our ancestors existed.
Our children are our hope to touch the future.
Let our children's children be a reason we act.

Do you know that it takes twelve times the energy to get a packet of frozen vegetables to your dinner table than the equivalent quantity of fresh vegetables.

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