Bacteria and Mold Causes

Bacteria and Mold contamination of indoor air can potentially be a very serious problem because of the various associated human health and comfort implications. The most common factors in the growth and distribution of micro-organisms are:-

• high humidity,
• poor ventilation,
• buildings located close together and
• air conditioning systems that have condensation points (such as humidifiers and cooling coils).

Sampling for bacteria and fungi is often a useful way to isolate and identify the causes of and origins of occupational health problems.

What Causes Mold?

If a mold sport lands on a wet or moist surface it starts to grow. Mold requires moisture or water to grow. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). 

Inhaling or touching mold may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common

Leaky building syndrome is often caused by water damage. Leaky building can provide water inside a house for mold to grow. An important step in solving problems with leaky building which leads to mold growth is to eliminate the leak as well as dry the effected area within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Indentifying and Locating a Mold or Bacteria Problem?

Signs that there may be a mold problem if there is an odor, or the occupants report health problems. Mold may be hidden in a place such as behind walls, in ceiling space, inside air conditioning ducting.

Identifying the location of a hidden mold problem can be done by air testing an area of expertise of K2 Environmental. Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

Air Sampling

Air sampling for microorganisms is a means of determining if there is spore amplification occurring in a leaky building compared with a non-problem area.