Frequently Asked Questions

Building biology involves a comprehensive approach to assessing hazards in the built environment, with the understanding that homes and workplaces must support occupants and not cause harm. 

Building biologists do not use a fragmented approach; instead, ensure that the entire area is evaluated. This means looking beyond the obvious to identify hidden issues that could affect not only the wellbeing of occupants, but the longevity of the building. When you engage a building biologist, you can be confident that they will listen to your concerns, take detailed background information, and prioritise your best interests. The comprehensive assessments and tailored recommendations aim to create a safe and healthy environment.

Mould! It is a significant concern in many Australian homes, leading to serious health problems such as allergies, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions. Mould has become a growing issue, highlighted by recent parliamentary inquiries into both indoor mould problems and insurers' responses to major floods.

Recent parliamentary inquiries addressing mould issues include:

·  Insurers' responses to 2022 major flood claims survey

This inquiry examines how insurers have responded to claims resulting from the major floods in 2022, highlighting the importance of effective mould and moisture management in flood-affected areas.

·  Report on the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related Illnesses in Australia

This report investigates the health impacts of biotoxins, including mould, and provides recommendations for managing and mitigating these risks in Australian homes.

These inquiries emphasise seriousness of mould with the government's public commitment to addressing mould-related issues.

Yes.  Mould can produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances. Long-term exposure can be harmful, particularly to individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems. 

Scientific studies carried out show several common fungi can produce mycotoxins that are carcinogenic in at least some animal species.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11227851/

The World Health Organisation (WHO) (https://www.who.int) further explains that indoor dampness and mould are associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, and exacerbation of asthma. 

Dr. Shoemaker, an expert on mould, provides an extensive list of symptoms related to mould exposure, which includes: Fatigue, Weakness, Aches, Muscle Cramps, Unusual Pain, Ice Pick Pain, Headache, Light Sensitivity, Red Eyes, Blurred Vision, Tearing, Sinus Problems, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Joint Pain, Morning Stiffness, Memory Issues, Focus/Concentration Issues, Word Recollection Issues, Decreased Learning of New Knowledge, Confusion, Disorientation, Skin Sensitivity, Mood Swings, Appetite Swings, Sweats (especially night sweats), Temperature Regulation or Dysregulation Problems, Excessive Thirst, Increased Urination, Static Shocks, Numbness, Tingling, Vertigo, Metallic Taste, Tremors.

For a comprehensive list of symptoms and more information, visit Surviving Mold; https://www.survivingmold.com/resources-for-patients/mold-symptoms.

Understanding the potential health risks and structural damage caused by mould underscores the importance of addressing and preventing mould and moisture problems.

We provide a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure the health and safety of your indoor environment. Our offerings include thorough assessments, reporting, consultation with all parties, moisture testing, air testing, surface testing,  and extensive  inspections.

Based on our findings, we provide expert recommendations for effective remediation to address and eliminate the indoor environmental hazards. After resolution, we offer follow-up assessments to ensure the efforts have been successful and that the environment is safe for occupancy. 

Additionally, we offer support for insurance purposes, assisting with the necessary documentation and evidence to support claims related water damage.

Our goal is to offer a comprehensive and balanced approach to managing and mitigating indoor environmental risks, ensuring that your living space remains healthy and safe. For more information refer to our Services. or Contact us now.  

Common signs of mould include a musty odour, visible mould growth, water stains, and increased allergy or respiratory symptoms. Mould problems can also be hidden in less obvious places, such as behind walls, under floors, under furniture, or in ductwork. Additionally, an increase in termites or vermin can also indicate underlying moisture problems that may lead to mould growth. If you notice any of these indicators, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection to identify and address the mould issue.

It depends. But first, you must know this...

75% of mould spores are not viable (i.e., already dead) but may still contain mycotoxins which, if inhaled, can cause serious health effects. Therefore, using biocides like bleach or ozone to kill mould is often ineffective, as they can still pose health risks. Furthermore, biocide application is NOT recommended in the restoration of water-damaged indoor environments except where extensive sewage contamination has occurred (Hygienists, 1999).

Small areas of mould on non-porous items can generally be taken care of safely and cheaply yourself using dishwashing liquid and a microfibre cloth. However, if the surface mould cannot be easily wiped off, if the area is larger than an A4 piece of paper, or if anyone is experiencing health issues, professional planning and remediation is recommended to ensure thorough and safe removal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home provides guidelines on when and how to clean mould yourself.

Here are some examples of how  contents  are treated by professionals following  IICRC international  guidelines. For a more extensive list, refer to the IICRC S520 Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation and the US EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (2008), or contact us for advice.

Cleaning Methods for "Condition 3" Items - Visible Mould Growth

Non-porous items 

Glass, plastic, sealed timber: HEPA sandwich method**.

Semi-porous items

Plasterboard wall: Cannot be remediated and must be replaced.

Untreated wood: Examination by a professional required to assess extent of damage and  determine if abrasive methods are possible.

Porous items 

Clothing, fabrics: Not restorable. Specialty remediation techniques may be considered for irreplaceable or valuable items but are often costly and not guaranteed. 

Cleaning Methods for "Condition 2" Items - Settled Spores from Cross Contamination

Non-porous items 

Glass, plastic, sealed timber: HEPA sandwich method**.

Semi-porous items

Plasterboard wall: HEPA sandwich.

Untreated wood: HEPA sandwich , abrasive methods.

Porous items 

Clothing, fabrics: Laundering, dry cleaning.

**HEPA Sandwich Method: Use a high-quality vacuum equipped with genuine HEPA filters to clean surfaces, followed by damp wiping with soapy water and drying with a clean towel. Repeat. Reusable cloths should be hot washed after use.

Additional Points to Consider

- Safety Measures: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and a mask (N95 or higher) when cleaning mould. 

- Ventilation: Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent the inhalation of mould spores and mycotoxins. Keep in mind that well ventilated areas with un-contained mould poses risk of cross contamination of spaces.

- Disposal: Mould-contaminated materials should be double bagged using a heavy gauge polyethylene plastic, which is then HEPA vacuumed and damp wiped before moving them in a manner that minimizes the possibility of cross-contamination and placed in a bin  (IICRC). 

- Moisture Control: Address the underlying moisture problem to prevent mould from returning. This may involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or using a dehumidifier.

- Documentation: Keep records of any mould remediation activities, including photos and notes on the extent of the mould and the cleaning methods used.

For more extensive mould problems, or if you are unsure of how serious the problem is, contact us for advice. 

The cost of an assessment depends on the size of the property and the scope of the assessment. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs.

Cost Estimates:

- Small Projects: Under $500-$1500

- Medium Projects: $1500-$3500

- Larger Projects: Can run into the thousands, especially for extensive mould infestations that require more comprehensive testing, especially when extensive contents queries need addressing.

For a precise estimate and to discuss your specific situation, please reach out to us. We are committed to providing you with a fair and accurate quote based on your unique needs.

The cost of mould remediation can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the affected area, the extent of the mould infestation, the type of mould, if any contents are involved, and the specific remediation methods required. Here are some general estimates to give you an idea:

SMALL AREA of less than 1 square meter, NO contents $500 to $1,500

MEDIAM AREA of 1-10 square meters, NO contents: $1,500 to $3,500

LARGE AREA of more than 10 square meters, NO contents: $3,500 to $7,000 or more

EXTENSIVE AREAS: $7,000 to $30,000 or more, especially if the mould has spread to areas such as HVAC systems, walls, contents, or structural elements of the building.

Additional costs may be incurred for initial inspection, reporting, mould testing.

Be Cautious of Low Quotes for Mould Remediation!!!!

If the price is significantly lower than the above typical estimates, it is likely that the job may not be performed according to international guidelines. Often, low quotes involve methods such as fogging, which is not a proper or professional mould remediation technique. Fogging can sometimes cause more harm than good, ultimately requiring you to hire a qualified and properly trained mould remediator to address the problem correctly.

For more information on why fogging is not an appropriate remediation method, refer to FAQ "Does fogging for mould work".

Investing in a professional and comprehensive mould remediation service ensures the problem is fully resolved, protecting both your health and your property. Always verify that the remediation company follows industry standards and guidelines to guarantee a safe and effective remediation process.

For extra protection, request a PRV (post-remediation verification) from an independent company, like us! This ensures that the remediation has been successfully completed and that your property is safe and free from mould.

FOGGING = MISTING (Spray/Gas/Fog) 

Mould remediation: “Killing” it is not a solution – “Removing” it is a solution.

No miracle spray, mist, gas, or fog removes mould from a property. The only way to deal with mould is to remove it. When salvageable, some cleaning methods include (but are not limited to) HEPA vacuuming, wiping, scrubbing, air purifying, and in many instances can be done without the use of harsh chemicals. Dead mould can still be allergenic, toxigenic, and pathogenic. 

The place for fogging is to suppress airborne particulates, causing them to land on surfaces so they can be easily picked up in the final clean down. Even if their chemicals do "kill" anything, they are not removing the physical particulates of fungi and bacteria, nor their by-products of mycotoxins and endotoxins.

There's fierce debate throughout the mould community on the role, if any, of biocides whether hydrogen peroxide, ozone gas, chlorine dioxide, concrobium or any other mixture. Many of the products sold as biocides/antimicrobials/fungicides are more dangerous than the mould and its by-products. Additionally, many biocides are water-based, so once dispersed and the chemicals have evaporated into the air, it is just as big an issue, if not bigger, because you are introducing water droplets (fog/mist) into the air. This is counterproductive when you already have a moisture issue, and you're putting more moisture into the air, which feeds the mould spores you have just fogged.

GOVERNMENT BODIES & INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICE

The NYC Department of Health states: 

> "The use of gaseous, vapour-phase, or aerosolized biocides for remedial purposes is not recommended. The use of biocides in this manner can pose health concerns for people in occupied spaces of the building and for people returning to the treated space if used improperly. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these treatments is unproven and does not address the possible health concerns from the presence of the remaining non-viable mould."

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) states in Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control - 15.4 Biocide Use: 

> "The goal of remediation programs should be the removal of all microbial growth. This generally can be accomplished by physical removal of materials supporting active growth and thorough cleaning of non-porous materials. Therefore, the application of a biocide would serve no purpose that could not be accomplished with a detergent or cleaning agent."

IICRC S520 12.2.1 (Internationally recognised guidelines) states:

> "Remediators should not mist or fog disinfectants or sanitizers in an attempt to kill mould in lieu of source removal."

Opting for an independent assessment before contacting a remediator provides several crucial benefits:

Unbiased Evaluation

An independent assessor does not have a vested interest in selling remediation services, ensuring that you receive an objective and unbiased evaluation of the mould problem. This impartiality helps you avoid unnecessary and costly remediation services.

Accurate Problem Identification

An independent assessment can accurately identify the extent and type of mould contamination, as well as the underlying causes. This detailed diagnosis ensures that any remediation plan addresses the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Cost-Effectiveness

By pinpointing the exact issues, an independent assessment can help prevent overcharging and unnecessary work. This can save you money in the long run by ensuring you only pay for necessary remediation.

Customised Solutions

Independent assessors provide tailored recommendations based on the specific conditions of your property. This bespoke approach ensures that the remediation plan is the most effective for your situation.

Quality Assurance

An independent assessor can provide post-remediation verification (PRV) to ensure that the remediation has been successfully completed and that the property is free from mould. This additional layer of quality assurance gives you peace of mind.

Compliance with Standards

Independent assessors are often more familiar with the latest industry standards and guidelines, ensuring that the assessment and subsequent recommendations are up-to-date and compliant with best practices.

Prevent Conflict of Interest

Using an independent assessor eliminates any potential conflict of interest that might arise if a remediator conducts both the assessment and the remediation. This separation of roles ensures a transparent and trustworthy process.

For a comprehensive, unbiased assessment and to ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate remediation plan, contact us for an independent evaluation.