A PhD in mycology (the study of fungi) from the University of Toronto found his life’s quest tracking down the source of black mold that covered buildings within and around the Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario.
It’s the site – directly across the river from Detroit – where Canadian Club Whisky is stored in wooden barrels to age before being bottled and sold. For years, the neighbours had complained of a black mold that coated their houses and blamed the distillery, who hired James Scott to investigate.
What he found was a particular type of fungi that was spread by what is called “the angels’ share” – the whiskey vapours that evaporate into the atmosphere during the aging process. This provided a constant source of moisture.
Mold and Fungi
The story represents a unique case where the source of mold infestation was very specific but all mold comes from fungi. Such mold fungi can be produced by the natural decay of virtually any natural material.
In the case of household mold, like the case of the `whisky mold`, it`s the natural result of moisture plus available material. Household mold develops from the combination of moisture and the organic (carbon based) materials found in carpets, drywall and other materials common in any home.
That means that any moisture that lingers in your home from
- a leaky roof
- leaky windows
- even undetected pinhole leaks in plumbing
can cause mold to grow within 48 hours.
Health Effects of Mold
The problem with mold isn’t just unsightly discolouration. Any type of household mold can produce the allergy or flu-like symptoms such as
- persistent coughing
- eye, nose and throat irritation
- worsening allergies
- trouble breathing
This summer’s wild weather and flooding all over the GTA and the province of Ontario is by all accounts a sign of things to come. Mold spores will begin to grow and infest any area where moisture lingers.
We Can Help!
Get help from the experts at MoldInspections.ca. Please 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 Global news, official supplier to HGTV’s Income Properties with Scott McGillivray and Leave It To Bryan and recommended by local 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. – See more at: http://www.moldinspections.ca/2013/08/#sthash.RwE03P3F.dpuf
