Healthy individuals generally will not be harmed by most common species of mould.  An individual’s reaction to mould exposure depends on the person’s health, age, and the amount of time they’ve been exposed.

Those that are more likely to experience health effects from mould include:

• Infants and young children
• Elderly
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with respiratory illnesses
• Immunocompromised
• People with allergies

Symptoms associated with mould exposure include:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Coughing and phlegm buildup
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Allergic reactions

Mould must be safely removed from a living area or home whenever it is found.  Molds require a water source or humid environment to grow and can come from daily routine activities or structural building deficiencies.  Identifying the source of the problem should always be the first step to a successful mould clean-up.

Structural issues with a building can allow water to enter or leak inside and potential create mould growth.  Maintain and repair:

• Roof shingles
• Window and door sills
• Siding
• Indoor plumbing
• Eaves troughs and downspouts
• Exhaust vents
• Chimneys
• Window wells

If you are a tenant and there is a structural issue you should contact your landlord immediately.

Mould can also accumulate from activities that create a humid environment.  Protect yourself:

• Use exhaust fan/open window when showering/bathing
• Do not smoke indoors
• Use a dehumidifier
• Provide a humidity control (dehumidifier or increase ventilation) in rooms that contain aquariums.

Small area clean-up:  Clean surfaces with a gentle soap and warm water mixture and let the area dry.  Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mask.  Bleach is not recommended as it may cause more harm than good.

Large area clean-up:  Professional intervention may be required to effectively clean and fix the source of mould and moisture.  Contact a local area service provided to assist in remediation.  

Renters: contact your landlord and submit a work order to address any structural issues.

Discard: items and surfaces that cannot be properly cleaned must be properly discarded and removed.  

Once the source is identified and the area is cleaned it is important to maintain the area to prevent the issue from returning in the future. 

About Your House – Fighting Mould: The Homeowners’ Guide

About Your House – The Tenant’s Guide to Mould