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To speak with a Public Health Inspector on the Environmental Health Team about mould, please call:
- 519-663-5317
To speak with a Public Health Inspector on the Environmental Health Team about mould, please call:
Mould can cause discolouration and odours.
Mould can be any colour: black, white, red, orange, yellow, blue, violet, etc.
Not all discolourations are caused by mould.
Musty or earthy smell may be present.
Mould growth requires:
As most homes and buildings provide the right temperature and growth medium, a mould growth problem can most often be caused by a moisture problem or high humidity.1
No exposure limits have been set by Health Canada. Health risks depend greatly on exposure and each person’s sensitivity.1 In the absence of exposure limits, tests for the presence of fungi in air cannot be used to assess risks to the health of building occupants.1
Mould growth can influence the indoor air quality, as moulds can release small particles, such as spores and mycelial fragments into the air.1 These small particles are able to be inhaled by humans, and can penetrate deep into the lungs.1
Some people are more susceptible to mould than others, such as; the elderly, young infants, people who are immunocompromised, or those with an existing respiratory condition. Exposure to mould can be associated with asthma-related symptoms such as chronic wheezing, irritation symptoms, and non-specific symptoms.1
Health Canada recommends:1
These recommendations apply regardless of the mould species found to be growing in the building.
Read more about preventing mould on Health Canada's web page.
If the contaminated surface is small to moderate:2
You might consider hiring a professional if there is a large amount of mould (if the patch is larger than 3 m²) or if the mould keeps coming back after you clean it. A large amount of mould is often the result of a larger problem, such as a leak in the foundation or a major flood, which may require professional help to fix.2
For more information visit the Government of Canada's Mould web page.
View Health Canada's Indoor Air Quality Checklist (PDF 307KB) for steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from indoor air pollutants, including mould.
To speak to a Public Health Inspector on the Environmental Health Team about mould, please call:
Please note: Where indicated, the source of the information on this web page is the Government of Canada’s Residential Indoor Air Quality Guideline: Moulds or Mould websites. The information is a copy of the version available at the URL in the references section below.