Although mold is naturally found in environments everywhere, indoors and out, it can become a genuine and challenging problem when it starts growing in homes, offices and other occupational settings.

This is critical because mold growth can cause or worsen acute and chronic health conditions affecting the health and well-being of anyone who spends time in the workplace environment, from employees to customers to suppliers.

We’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating: mold can grow on just about any surface provided it has water/moisture, a nutrient source and its preferred temperature. It stands to reason then that mold growth is hindered or eliminated when excess water or moisture is eliminated.

If your goal is to prevent mold growth in your industrial or commercial property, your first steps should focus on eliminating ALL excess moisture and water.

We offer some additional tips as they relate to your industrial or commercial property.

Identify and address any areas of existing mold growth on building finishes, furnishings and other materials. We recommend calling mold testing and remediation professionals immediately to determine exactly what you’re dealing with and to discuss potential remediation options.

Identify any existing dampness, condensation or other moisture, and correct the source of the problem immediately so that it does not reoccur.

Repair all plumbing and other leaks immediately, as well as any related damage caused by them.

In warm weather, ensure HVAC pans are clean and able to work efficiently.

Maintain a relative humidity (RH) level of 50% or less. According to the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, a relative humidity of 30% or less may be required in winter to prevent window condensation and the RH should never exceed 45% during winter [source].

Ensure that any heat-producing equipment, such as stoves or dryers, is vented to the outdoors according to applicable and governing building codes.

Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are vented properly according to applicable and governing building codes.

To reduce indoor moisture levels, consider taking corrective action, such as improving ventilation, repairing leaks or operating a dehumidifier (depending on your objective).

Ensure that any reports of musty or moldy odours are investigated and remediated as quickly as possible.

Ensure the entire building envelope, including door and window access, is thoroughly sealed against potential water infiltration.

Ensure adequate drainage, including ensuring backfill is sloped away from the foundation of the commercial or industrial property.

Follow the regular preventive maintenance schedule of the HVAC system and its major components, including for building inspections and maintenance.

Ensure that any HVAC system components exposed to water, including the coils, cooling apparatus, humidifiers and drain pans, are kept scrupulously clean and follow appropriate maintenance. Your equipment manufacturer should provide a recommended maintenance schedule.

Have a question about mold inspection or remediation services in your Toronto commercial, industrial or residential building? Contact the Toronto remediation professionals today! Free consult when you call us at 416-575-6111.

We’ve mentioned before about how bathroom vents play a key and critical role in helping to reduce and eliminate humidity in your home. The reality is that removing humidity after a bath or shower is key to prevent mold from growing or developing in your living areas.

So, once you have a bathroom vent installed, it’s important to regularly focus on maintenance and insulation.

Here are 5 easy and simple ways to get your bathroom vents ready for winter (even if you aren’t!).

1. Clean the intake grates to make sure that air can flow through freely.

Intake grates often get coated with fluff, lint and other things from regular use, so make sure they are clean and not sticky or coated with anything that could prevent air from flowing freely. Overall, a decrease in air flow reduces the vent’s ability to remove humidity.

It can also cause your fan’s motor to overheat and then reduce its use and lifespan!

2. Ensure the space between the fan’s housing and the drywall continues to have a tight seal.

When an exhaust fan is installed, experts advise that the opening made in the wall or ceiling to house the unit should only be as large as needed to house the device; however, sometimes do-it-yourself-ers or even professional contractors create a hole that is much larger than necessary.

It’s important to ensure a tight seal between the fan and drywall and to periodically check it. Foam insulation or caulk can be used to ensure a tight seal.

We recommend checking it at least every change of season.

3. Insulate any vent pipes that go through a “cold space” before they exit to the outdoors.

Proper and adequate insulation will help reduce and prevent condensation on the pipe’s exterior as warm exhaust air passes through the cold space. One example of a cold space is your attic. Condensation that passes through an attic, for example, can lead to unchecked mold growth there and elsewhere.

4. Ensure that exhaust air is not being redirected somewhere else, such as into an attic, soffit, crawlspace or other areas inside your home, or within another adjoining or adjacent dwelling unit.

5. Ensure a flapper is installed on the vent pipe outside the home in order to prevent cold air from backflowing or returning into the bathroom.

Are you battling a mold problem or potential problem in your bathroom or elsewhere in your home? Call us for a free phone consult at 416-575-6111 and we can help ensure your bathroom venting is in tip top condition!

Mold, mildew and various types of bacteria tend to love warm, wet or damp, dark places. Unfortunately, your favourite warm shower or hot relaxing bubble bath—combined with a lack of ventilation or air circulation—can often make your cherished bathroom the ideal breeding site for these types of unhealthy organisms to set up shop.

Looking for some handy tips to help prevent mold, mildew and other types of bacteria in your bath?

Here are five of our top tips!

Help the humidity get outside.

Hot baths and showers generate an intense amount of humidity, or water vapour in the air. So the first step is to give the extra humidity that has accumulated during bathtime the boot! Do whatever you can, as often as you can, to help the room return to being dry and moisture-free, and as quickly as possible.

You want the humidity to be cycled outside rather than inside so a properly installed bathroom exhaust fan is a must.

Bathroom exhaust fans are the norm but in some houses, especially older ones, building codes at the time dictated that the bathroom needed only either a window or a fan. An exhaust fan is a better bet, especially in winter, so consider having one professionally installed if you don’t already have one.

Experts recommend running bathroom exhaust fans for at least 30 minutes to help the warm air escape to the outside. Bonus tip: If you notice moisture on your bathroom walls or mirror, the fan hasn’t run long enough. Keep it going!

If you’re a busy professional or part of a busy family, you might enjoy the convenience of a bathroom timer. This simple investment makes it easy to run the bathroom timer while on a busy schedule—just set it and forget it! You can head out the door without worrying that the fan is going to run needlessly all day.

Eliminate all accumulated water.

Mold and mildew can’t thrive in areas that don’t provide it with a ready and regular source of water. So the next step is to eliminate any water that accumulated during your bath or shower… and if you’re anything like most people, that can be a lot!

Water on the floors, countertops, glass or plastic shower enclosures, and especially on your shower curtain needs to be eliminated to help prevent mildew or mold from forming.

After every bath or shower, wipe up excess water on floors, countertops or other surfaces, and wipe down your glass shower enclosure or plastic shower curtain. You might also like to store your wet towels in another room or on a heated tower rack to help them dry faster.

Stop all leaks.

In addition to the water that may accumulate during showers and baths, water can also be introduced through old fixtures, such as leaky toilets, taps or pipes. Have them professionally inspected and repaired to reduce additional water from being introduced and accumulating.

Seal and caulk your tiled tub and shower surrounds.

It’s a common misconception that the grout between your bathroom tiles, under your toilet, or inside your tiled tub or shower surround is waterproof. In fact, it’s actually porous so it will absorb any accumulated water, which can then potentially cause damage to the subfloor or other structures.

In potentially humid areas like bathrooms, we highly recommend applying a grout sealant to newly tiled areas such as showers. In addition, you should caulk all corners, crevices and the bottom row of tiles where they meet the bathtub with a specialized bathroom caulk designed for the job.

Inspect, clean and store children’s toys appropriately.

A common and yet not well-known source of mildew and mold in bathrooms is children’s toys. You know, those plastic tub toys that kids love to play with, drink water from, or put in or on their mouths during bathtime?

Yeah, those ones!

Sadly, even those beloved tub toys, when exposed to water and humidity, can become a serious harbinger of different bacteria, mildew and mold when not cared for correctly.

We recommend checking all your children’s toys on a regular basis. You can clean plastic toys with soap (unless the mold has infiltrated the plastic, in which case throw it out and buy a new one) and launder fabric or terrycloth toys in the washing machine.

That said, storing children’s toys properly is key to help prevent mildew and mold from forming and growing in the first place.

This means allowing the waterlogged toys to drain properly, either hanging up, stashed in a ventilated basket or nestled in a mesh bag. Don’t use baskets or bags where water can collect and be careful not to overload them. Aim to have 360° ventilation around the toys in your chosen storage solution.

Stuck for toy storage ideas? Check out Pinterest for a variety of effective and stylish storage solutions.

Do you suspect mold, mildew or other bacteria in your Toronto area home or workplace? Give us a call and our GTA-based mold testing professionals can perform an assessment to locate, identify and remedy any potential mold issues that may be present in your bath or other rooms. Free phone consultations. Contact us today!

The Canadian government is battling a persistent foe that has crept into the very highest political offices of the nation – mold.

Documents in the archives of the Privy Council Office are infested with mold, as it was discovered earlier this year. In fact, the mold was first discovered in 2001 after a flood from a broken pipe damaged the files housed in a storage area. The Privy Council Office supports the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the documents it produces are part of Canada’s political history. A costly clean-up at the time of the flood seemed to have done the trick.

However, employees noticed the mold again in May of this year as a renewed growth more than a decade after they were treated and given a clean bill of health. Experts speculate that the mold went into a dormant state, invisible to the naked eye, biding its time.

It’s estimated that an additional $100K will be required to find and treat all the mold infected documents.

Old Documents & Papers
It’s an important reminder – many of us keep old documents and memorabilia, often in the attic, basement or other storage spaces that themselves are prone to leaks, floods and other mold inducing conditions.

Mold can cause health issues. Respiratory issues in children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. If you or a member of your family experiences flu-like symptoms you can’t explain, you should seek help in determining whether mold is the cause right away.

Once there is moisture that doesn’t dry properly in an area that isn’t treated right away, mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours if the conditions are right.

Be vigilant and check plumbing regularly for signs of drips and leaks
Avoid skimping on or delaying needed repairs
Old boxes of documents and other items should be checked and ask yourself – are they really something you’ll look at or use later, or should they be disposed of?

Let Us Help
Mold exposure is an acknowledged threat to your well-being and you may not know that mold even exists in your home until it affects your health. If you suspect any leaks or lingering moisture in your home, or if you’re experiencing flu-like or respiratory symptoms you can’t explain, give yourself peace of mind.

For Mold Inspection & Testing Services in Toronto, call us for a hassle-free quote today.

MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free homes and breathable indoor air spaces in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and beyond. Providing certified mold inspection, detection and testing since 2005, we service home owners, real-estate agents, landlords, property managers, insurance companies and businesses. Featured on CTV and recommended by contractors, we regularly serve as expert witnesses in court proceeding relating to Mold and Indoor Air Quality issues. Do you have mold? Call us today for a free quote at (416) 575-6111.

We really hate to put a damper on anyone’s holiday celebrations, but that iconic Christmas tree may just be worsening your indoor allergies.

After it’s been cut, an evergreen tree is dead – it seems like an obvious statement, but have you considered this: once dead, it becomes home to mold. The longer your tree has been sitting outside on the lot, cut and waiting to be purchased, the longer mold has had a chance to settle in. Once the tree is in your home, the mold can easily become airborne and seep throughout the whole house.

Even artificial trees aren’t immune to mold infestation. The first year after you purchase an artificial tree, it will be fine, but once it’s been stored in your damp, dark basement for a year or two or three, it too becomes prime real estate for mold growth.

How can you protect yourself while still enjoying the holidays in traditional style? Here are some tips:

– Select a freshly cut tree, or cut one yourself
– Shake the tree to remove dead needles and dislodge as much existing mold as possible
– Keep the tree’s water source covered up, since it too can be a source of mold contamination
– Both real and artificial trees can be hosed down with water before setting them up to help remove any contaminants, but remember to dry it thoroughly outside before you bring it in
– Don’t keep the tree up for too long; enjoy the holidays and then dispose of it as quickly as you can

Your Roof in the Winter

Of course, any issues you may have with your Christmas tree will vanish when the season’s over; not so for mold that’s infesting your home. Here in Canada, with our harsh winters, it’s especially important to keep an eye on your roofing, eavestrough and gutter systems. When there’s a heavy snow followed by a partial thaw that refreezes overnight, the combination of snow and ice build-up and thawing can route the melt off into unexpected paths – including right inside your flashing and into the walls.

It’s a good idea to keep tabs on your roofing and eavestrough all year round, to help ensure that your walls stay dry on the inside. Moisture can and often does lead to mold, and you may not know that it’s there spreading in your walls until you experience the common symptoms of mold infestation, including headaches, eye irritation and more.

If you suspect the presence of mold in your home, get help from the experts at MoldInspections.ca. Please call us for a hassle-free quote today and get a mold inspection from the specialists.

MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free homes and breathable indoor air spaces in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and beyond. Providing certified mold inspection, detection and testing since 2005, we service home owners, real-estate agents, landlords, property managers, insurance companies and businesses. Featured on CTV and recommended by contractors, we regularly serve as expert witnesses in court proceeding relating to Mold and Indoor Air Quality issues. Do you have mold? Call us today for a free quote at (416) 575-6111.

It’s always fascinating to see people more upset over seeing a pet or cuddly animal harmed than another human being. Perhaps, then, knowing that toxic mold is very dangerous to pets will finally motivate certain homeowners to have mold inspections done.

A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association documents what appears to be the first known case of toxic black mold poisoning pets. The case that produced the finding involved two cats. During a routine mouth examination of two Himalayan cats before their dental cleanings, a veterinarian noticed frothy blood collecting in the endotracheal tubes used to anaesthetize the cats.

As the veterinarian, Douglas Mader, explained, “The circumstances of these cases are just not heard of. Anaesthesia doesn’t cause pulmonary hemorrage.”

Sure enough, both cats died – one the following day and the other two weeks later. Blood taken before their deaths was analyzed and showed high levels of the toxin produced by Statchybotrys chartarum, a.k.a. toxic black mold.

As it turns out, the cats’ home, based in Florida had been previously devastated by water damage from a hurricane. The moisture fostered the growth of mold and, within a few months, the walls of the home were completely infested with it.

It’s strange that the cats’ case is the first documented instance of pets being affected by toxic mold – but the results shouldn’t surprise us. We know that not undergoing a periodic mold detection process could allow spores to grow in our homes and that toxic black mold causes countless respiratory problems. Any mammals in particular, who breathe just like we do, are naturally just as much at risk.

If hearing about people getting sick from mold in their homes doesn’t spring you into action, maybe the sad story of innocent animals dying from mold exposure will do the trick. Take mold seriously and have a certified mold inspector check to make sure it isn’t growing in your dwelling.

We’ve studied on this blog how mold can harm our breathing and exacerbate both allergy and asthma symptoms. But the effects of toxic mold reach further than that. As a recent study at the University of Cincinnati suggests, mold doesn’t just enhance asthma; it may also cause it to develop in the first place.

The study tracked more than 700 children using seven years of data. It measured the presence of 36 different types of mold in analysis tool developed by the Environmental Protection Agency known as the ERMI – the environmental relative moldiness index. The index factored in the many different mold types, some toxic and some not, to measure the relative environmental threat.

In the study, 18 per cent of children exposed to mold had developed asthma by seven years old. That rate is triple the number for children not exposed to mold under the ERMI (six per cent).

It doesn’t get much more ironclad than that, does it? Mold needs to be taken seriously. If you don’t undergo a proper mold inspection and removal, you literally increase your children’s chances of developing asthma three-fold.

It’s also worth noting that children from lower-income families are more likely to have asthma. That’s because lower-income housing is more likely to have mold. As a result, the onus falls on both local governments and landlords to eliminate mold from their buildings. You can get it done for a good price with a mold inspection company.

We know mold causes asthma. So it’s time to fight this lung disease. Get rid of mold!

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