Mould Spores

Just after the news of Hurricane Harvey came the aftermath – an almost immediate infestation of mould throughout Houston and other flooded areas of Texas. It’s well known that mould can begin to grow within a mere 24 hours if the conditions are right. But how? And what, if anything, can you do to prevent it?

The Mould Mechanism
How can mould appear almost instantly after a deluge? It helps to understand how mould works. Mould spores are a bit like pollen. They are tiny – invisible to the naked eye – very light and float on the air, and they can also live quite a long time. They thrive outdoors, and while they aren’t active in the winter when it’s below zero, they don’t die from the cold. They simply go into a dormant mode, waiting to be revived after the spring thaw.

All the spores need is oxygen, standing moisture, and food, which can consist of pretty much anything organic, like piles of leaves or wood outdoors, cloth or paper indoors. They love cellulose, a plant-based fiber that is used in textiles and carpets. Some things to remember.

• Outdoors, mould levels peak during late summer and early fall because of the abundant vegetation they can feed from.
• Leaving your shoes and outdoor clothing at the door and avoid bringing them into your home.
• Use a dehumidifier to control excess moisture and high humidity during the summer.
• Ensure adequate ventilation throughout your home, including an exhaust fan in your bathroom.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to help remove mould spores.
• Repair any leaks in plumbing, roof, windows or other source of water as soon as possible.

It’s Important
You can’t tolerate even a small growth of mould in your home. First, a small growth can soon grow much bigger. Second, even a small patch can produce more mould spores that become airborne. Once they’re in your home, they can enter your HVAC systems and disperse throughout your living space.

Mould poses a very real threat to human health. It can cause a variety of symptoms.

• Persistent coughing and dry throat;
• Stuffy nose;
• Irritation of the eyes;
• Respiratory issues, including worsening allergies;
• And more.

We Can Help
If you are experiencing the result of flooding, or are dealing with mould in your home, we can help. You can trust the experienced mould removal experts at Green Stream Environmental to take care of your environmental issues. In the Toronto area contact Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.