Tuberculosis on the rise in Canada due to mold and poor ventilation

Tuberculosis is not just a disease of the past, and the Ontario Lung Association stated on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day, that tuberculosis remains a serious public health concern in Ontario.

The risk of Tuberculosis infection, or TB, increases for those who spend a lot of time in poorly ventilated spaces and are constantly exposed to mold. In Canada, 1,600 new cases of tuberculosis are reported annually, and approximately 350 to 400 are reported in the Greater Toronto Area each year.

Those in isolated or minority communities such as the homeless, aboriginal people and immigrants face much higher rates of infection. In these communities, tuberculosis is becoming as prevalent as the common cold. The cause for these rising tuberculosis infection rates is continued exposure to mold and poorly ventilated spaces, which seriously compromises immune systems.

Tuberculosis is so dangerous and infectious that Health Canada has the legal authority and obligation to detain someone and force them to undergo treatment, whereas with other serious health issues like AIDS or swine flu they can only encourage safer behaviour or frequent hand washing and vaccinations.

The compromising of immune systems can be avoided completely if a home is mold-free, and this can only be determined by a mold inspection that can identify whether the mold is dangerous or simply unsightly. There are no home testing kits available that can differentiate between toxic and harmless species of mold.

If the mold is hidden, a mold inspection will be able to determine its location and allow for it to be removed safely. Mold is proving to be more and more dangerous to human health when it is present in a home or building where a person spends the majority of their time. Undergoing a mold inspection is one of the best ways to ensure your family or employees are protected.