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* Mould Contamination Can Affect Businesses. Mould growth in work place can affect productivity of employees either directly or indirectly. A business affected by microbial contamination problems can soon see its market share fall and incur huge costs in liabilities. For example in food processing plants such as bakeries, bread can develop mould even before it leaves for market.
What Should You Do When You Find Mould?
If you are an indoor mould consultant * Assess extent of mould problem, * Discuss problem with your client and reassure them,
* Have dominant moulds identified preferably to species level. However, before sampling, prepare a sampling plan that details how and when samples would be collected, type of samples to collect, collection requirements for each type of samples, criteria to use to interpret results, and benefits expected from sampling, i.e., what question(s) would be answered by laboratory results and what actions would be taken. Share sampling plan with client,
* Discuss lab results with client. If client is concerned about their health, advise them to seek medical opinion from their family doctors,
* Discuss remediation plan (or options if any), remediation costs and expected results with your client.
If you Are a Property Manager or Homeowner * Do not panic! The presence of mould does not necessarily mean that you or building occupants could have adverse health effects or that they have even been exposed. * Do not disturb mould since this could help mould in shedding more spores into air. * If what you suspect to be mould covers more than 10 square feet, seek advice of a qualified consultant immediately. If unsure of how to handle mould covering less than 10 square feet, seek professional advice. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mould.
* Ask for mould to be identified to reassure yourself or building occupants that it is not among those that cause serious health effects. * Discuss problem with your family doctor or if you are property manager reassure occupants and let them know actions you are taking.
* If you find a professional who seem to concentrate more on how mould could or have affected you or building occupants, seek a second opinion. A good professional should provide facts and avoid causing fear.
Dr. Jackson Kung'u is a Microbiologist who has specialized in the field of mycology (the study of moulds and yeasts). Dr. Kung'u provides how-to advice and laboratory analytical services on indoor mould and bacteria to homeowners, environmental consultants, institutions and indoor air quality professionals across Canada. Get more information about indoor mould and bacteria at http://www.moldbacteria.com.