Toxic Mould in UK Buildings
Overview of Mould Mould is everywhere on the planet and was flourishing possibly even before life as we know it. It is seen as the planet's clean up system where it can digest almost every material. It combats with bacteria to defend its food source and we use it for antibiotics (Penicillium). While mould has many useful purposes in our lives, it is considered a health hazard by the WHO World Health Organisation. The Americans have developed WMDs from various “Toxic” moulds too. Mould has affected humans health for thousands of years and is referenced in the Old Testament (Leviticus 13-15) Building Ventilation Mould has, in recent years, become a significant health issue as buildings have become tighter with less ventilation or natural air leakage through chimneys or windows. This means that the average 15 litres of water per day generated by a family of four cannot escape and is invariably absorbed by porous materials. Offices can be even worse due to ventilation issues. Porous materials The increasing use of timber and plasterboard to replace brick and conventional plaster systems has meant that the plasterboard absorbs the moisture into its chalk like substrate and its paper facing provides the food necessary for mould growth often in cavities where it cannot be seen. Toxic Mould Of over 100,000 genus of mould, only 16 have been identified as pathogenic and can cause serious health concerns. Unfortunately these 16 have been identified in the homes and offices because of related illness. Toxic mould species are suspected of causing the following: