04 970 4924
04 970 4924
Indoor environments are where human beings live and work. Because of this it can be a leading contributor of poor health or infection. Healthy Environments consultants specialize in undertaking comprehensive mould inspection; mould testing and, mould assessment in commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Spores and viable bacteria are ubiquitous in buildings. In the indoor environment they form part of the dust found on all surfaces, and in the air as aerosols, and in addition to these viable particles, endotoxins and mycotoxins are aerosolized into the indoor atmosphere by some of these microorganisms. The primary limiting factor for microbial growth in a building and on surfaces is moisture.
Exposure to damp and mouldy environments may cause a variety of health effects such as respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, and some groups are particularly vulnerable.
Healthy Environments methodology is to perform an initial visual inspection of localised areas of mould growth to determine the cause and extent of mould contamination on surfaces. The building envelope and fittings in the affected area are inspected to find the source of the mould contamination including any water damage to assess the significance of the mould contamination.
Surface mould is sampled using bio-film (clear cellotape).
Airborne mould spores are collected using ‘Allergenco Spore Trap’ for a total spore count determination (non-culturable assessment).
Airborne bioaerosols are sampled using a ‘Gelatine’ filter for culturable assessment of mould type (genera) and concentration in the air.
Air sampling for mould spores may be in the occupied space where mould is visible on surfaces or involve air being drawn from the building envelope (ceiling, wall and underfloor cavities).
At Healthy Environments, consultants evaluate inspection and testing results by comparison of data collected with available guidelines to assess risk to building users. The risk assessment process estimates the likelihood of an adverse effect occurring in building occupants due to the presence mould spores and other contaminants in the air.
Our consultants also provide the client with a comprehensive mould remediation plan designed to control exposure and prevent wider contamination during remediation works.
Where required by the client we extend the scope of the survey and assessment to cover other hazards, such as asbestos, lead-based paint and dusts, synthetic mineral fibre, domestic cold and hot water services, water storage tanks, sanitation and hygiene.