Ever walked into an apartment and sniffed a musty smell lurking around the space? It is quite common and happens to the vast majority of us. These smells could be because of a possible mould outbreak. The odour can be unwelcoming to the occupants of the apartment. Mould exposure can cause chronic health problems and serious physical damage to the property and one’s belongings.
Mould will grow in places with high moisture content, like wet bathrooms, AC vents, attics and basements. Mould can also grow in dust, ceilings, paints, paper products, wallpaper, insulation, wood products, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. All that is needed for mould formation is a surface to grow, moisture, high levels of humidity, and darkness. Whether it is a flood or a water leak, any stagnant water or condensation can start mould growth patterns. If left unchecked and unattended, mould can spread to the rest of your property causing extensive damage and expensive repair costs. To identify hidden mould growth and avoid health and property damage, it is advisable to perform a mould inspection and testing. Mould testing is required when: • a musty odour is present but visible mould is not. • there have been plumbing leaks or water ingress issues and there are any indications that elevated mould may exist in the ceiling, air, sub-floor or behind walls. • a doctor cannot pinpoint the cause of an illness but the symptoms are related to mould allergies. • mould issues have been resolved and to ensure that mould counts have returned to levels found in normal environments of the same type. A Post Mould Removal Clearance Testing should be done in such cases. • pre-purchase real estate transactions are performed. • the landlord/tenant have disputes as to whether there is a mould problem.

Mould can be seriously detrimental to health. It produces allergen spores, irritants and mycotoxins. Continuous inhaling or touching of these tiny mould spores may cause allergic reactions, skin rash, and in acute cases, asthma attacks. Depending upon a person’s immune system and their sensitivity to mould, it can affect the respiratory tract. Symptoms of mould exposure include having a runny nose, headache, sore throat, sneezing, coughing and dry or sore eyes. Some types of mould, like Aspergillus, can cause a serious health condition known as aspergillosis. Mould can also set off the production of bacteria and microbes, which may trigger an inflammatory response in some people. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), increase in microbial agents produced by mould may increase the risk of bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic fungal sinusitis and other lower respiratory tract problems.

If you encounter mould outbreak and the mould is visible, it needs to be treated immediately by a professional. The presence and level of mould contamination can be identified via mould inspection. Experienced mould sampling professionals collect and analyse mould samples for accurate results.
  • Visual Inspection- A walk through internal and external areas of the premises to identify any visible signs of moisture, mould growth or water intrusion. The observations are noted down along with reference pictures.
  • Moisture Check- Moisture levels in walls, ceilings and other surfaces is measured via moisture meter and infrared camera. The images combined with the moisture readings can identify locations of elevated moisture and potential causes of mould.
  • Humidity and Indoor Air Quality (AIQ) test- Measurement of relative humidity at the test locations may also be checked using a hygrometer. The indoor air quality is also measured together with temperature and particle count tests. Humidity is one of the major contributing factors to poor indoor air quality, as it can be a catalyst for mould growth.
  • Mould samples- Airborne and surface mould samples are collected using various sampling methods.
    • All readings and samples collected during the mould inspection process are sent to our laboratories who are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). The mould samples are analysed in our labs for total colony forming units or total spores count with identification of mould species or genera.

    All our recorded readings and data are included in the reports, and the main and secondary causes of mould contamination are stated. The photos of the areas affected along with moisture and AIQ readings are given for a better understanding of your property. Our professional reports are generally available within 48 hours of receipt from our trusted and experienced laboratories.

    NCPI has highly experienced and qualified mould sampling professionals. Our experts make use of specialised equipment to carry out the mould inspection and testing process. We have years of experience in designing mould sampling protocols, analysis, and reporting. With our services, you can have absolute confidence in NCPI.

    If you are a commercial building or property owner and suspect a mould problem, we can help! We operate across all states and territories of Australia. Contact us on 0413 952 683 to discuss your specific requirements and get a free consultation from our experts.

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