GOOD GOVERNANCE
so dangerous that it is even used to develop chemical weapons. I nearly fell over when I learned that black mould (Stachybotrys), a very common mould that grows merrily in millions of dwellings all over the world produces mycotoxins which have been used to make biological weapons.
A mouldy topic:
Building defect or lifestyle issue?
Eeek!
So, what causes mould? It’s odd to consider, but the fact is that housing construction in Australia is not exactly designed to withstand mould attack. For example, the extremes of temperatures can cause condensation and support mould infestation. Consider when it’s cold outside and you have the heater on inside, condensation forms on the windows and can lead to mould. Similarly, on a hot summer’s day when we have the air-conditioner blaring inside and the windows are hot from the outside heat, this also can cause condensation and a breeding ground for mould.
If I had a dollar for every building I inspected with mould presenting, I’d be a retired millionaire… Sad, but true. It doesn’t matter if it’s the cold heart of winter or the sweaty heat of summer, mould is reproducing in millions of homes all year round. According to Professor Rebecca Bentley of Melbourne University, it is estimated that approximately 25 percent of homes in Australia have damp and mould issues that pose a risk to the health and safety of occupants.
Diverse FMX
should not be ignored or under-estimated. Details on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases arising out of exposure (even minimal exposure) to mould are well documented and can be investigated at any time on the internet, mould is
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Mould is incredibly dangerous and a health hazard. Its dangers
Lynda Kypriadakis,
Moulds are part of the mildew or fungi family and require moisture, the ‘right’ temperature, a supportive type of substrate along with exposure to certain conditions over time to thrive. They require water to grow and spread, which is why it is recommended to keep homes (especially walls and carpets) as dry as possible. Water leaks, flooding, high humidity, and condensation all provide moisture that mould
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MANAGEMENT
can use to grow and spread. Any condition that causes warmth and moisture can set the occupants of the home up for mould infestation. Less important factors for mould infestation include availability of mould spores, pH, light, oxygen, and surface roughness. Mould will thrive in damp, humid, and wet conditions almost anywhere in the world, so it is a very cunning creature! Add to the moist/humid environment, the smorgasbord of cellulose-rich building materials that are routinely used in the building industry, including timber framing material, plasterboard walls and ceiling sheeting, carpeting, wallpaper, and insulation (when wet). All these types of building materials may serve as a wonderful nutrient source to mould. In fact, some new buildings already have mould in the timber framing arising during construction (for instance if the timber is left exposed to wet weather for extended periods of time) so sometimes the mould is handed over to the new homeowner from day one of ownership. How depressing…
Is defective building work the cause of mould? Many new homeowners believe that mould is indicative of defective building work and leaky buildings, however in our experience as building inspectors, the main causes of mould that we encounter every day are caused by: •
Lifestyle behaviours, lack of ventilation and use of heating appliances, such as clothes dryers without adequate ventilation; and
•
condensation, moisture occurring due to heat/ cold interface that occurs in most houses.
In my experience mould rarely arises out of defective building work. If there is a water leak occurring because of a building defect, usually the water leak and any ensuing damage is very obvious before any mould starts growing. Water leaks arising out of defective building work are usually obvious and should be dealt with quickly before mould can take hold. ResortNews | July 2022
