Mould and Fungal Testing

Moulds are a type of fungus that occur naturally both indoors and outdoors. They spread by releasing tiny particles called 'spores' into the air, and since they thrive in warm, wet conditions, they are often found in greater concentrations inside buildings than outside.

Similarly, bioaerosols are airborne contaminants that are living organisms. Bioaerosols can come from both inside and outside, from sources as diverse as viruses, house dust mites, dust, moulds, plant pollen, animal dander and cockroaches.

Fungal Spores
Helico	Pithomyces	Stauro		Stachybotrys atra

It is important to know that not all moulds cause health problems. In fact, some moulds and fungi are very beneficial to our modern lifestyle : many 'miracle' drugs, including penicillin and cyclosporine (used to treat organ rejection) are derived from fungi. On a lighter note, most alcoholic drinks are brewed by fungal action on sugary substrates.

Common ways in which fungi can affect the health of building occupants include:

         Nose, throat and eye irritations
         Fungi can release Volatile Organic Compounds
         Breathing large amounts of spores can cause 'hypersensitivity pneumonitis'
         Fungal 'spores' can induce an allergic reaction (wheezing, sneezing, coughing)

People particularly susceptible to moulds and fungal spores exposure include asthmatics, individuals with compromised immune systems (patients on chemotherapy, infants, AIDS victims) and workers in industries that could be heavily exposed (farm workers handling animal feed or grain, asbestos abatement workers demolishing buildings or removing hazardous materials).

Activities related to Grow Operations produce favourable conditions for fungal growth. The use of pesticides and fertilizers may also result in unsafe conditions. To combat potential damage to homes and prevent unsuspecting homebuyers from purchasing these properties, several municipalities have introduced "Grow-Op Bylaws" requiring that an Environmental Assessment be conducted to ensure the property is safe for occupancy. 

If your property has been impacted by illegal activities, Pacific Environmental can provide the following services :

         an inspection of the property to determine if remediation work is required
         identification of fungal (mould) contamination
         development of a Scope of Work detailing the required remediation
         clearance air sampling to ensure all contamination has been removed
         preparation of reports and documentation required by the municipalities

Pacific Environmental meets the requirements outlined by the various cities and municipalities for environmental consultants conducting Environmental Site Assessments and have Professional Engineers, a Certified Industrial Hygienist and a Mycologist on staff.

Pacific Environmental specialize in microbial assessments, including fungal (mould) identification, spore counting, the assessment of buildings damaged by former marijuana grow operations and remediation project management. These are conducted by our in-house Biologist and Industrial Hygienist.

Examples of fungal contamination found in homes

For more information about Pacific Environmental Mould and Fungal Testing,                                contact Jennifer Blair, MSc, RPBio