Mould naturally grows both inside and outside.
It can cause health problems, especially if it is found
in sufficient quantities inside your home.
This is because mould releases spores
which are small enough that people can breathe them in.
It is these spores, and their by-products
that can cause health problems and make existing
health conditions worse.
Recognizing when you have mould in your home
is an important step in protecting your health
and your family's health.
Here's more from an Environmental Health Officer
about what mould is and where to look in your home.
Mould can be black, white or almost any colour.
It often looks like a stain or a smudge.
And there is usually a musty smell associated with it.
There are many types of mould.
All of them need water to grow and a material to grow on.
Here on this windowsill you can see that mould
has started to grow.
This is likely due to a condensation build-up
and wet wood.
And its really more common as you can tell
during the winter months.
Here you can see that you have mould growth on the wall.
This is probably due to a moisture build-up
or water damage in the drywall
which is another mould friendly material.
The most common causes of mould growth are:
Condensation on surfaces due to high humidity,
lack of ventilation, or low temperature.
Steam or excess moisture in the air from baths,
showers and cooking, if the area is not well ventilated.
Water leakage, such as from a roof or plumbing leak,
a cracked basement or flooding.
The availability of mould friendly materials,
such as wood, drywall, paper products
or other damp materials.
If you know what causes mould to grow,
you're going to know where to look for it.
You want check the most common places mould grows.
These are: The basement walls and floors.
Under or behind stored items - especially those
next to exterior walls or in the basement.
Under the kitchen sink or bathroom sink.
On the wall or floor next to the bathtub or shower.
At the bottom edge of windows.
In a closet.
Not all mould is obvious.
It can grow in places that can't be seen like
behind the drywall, above ceiling tiles.
So you want to check places where there has been water
damage or moisture build up.
Recognizing a mould problem is an important step
to protecting yourself and your family.
Now take the next step.
Learn how to prevent it from growing and how
to get rid of it by watching the next short video segment
in this four-part information series on mould.