Dr Jackson Kung'u- Mold Specialist

Helping People Resolve Mold Problems

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Dr. Jackson Kung’u (PhD)- Mold Specialist.
Phone: 905-290-9101
Mobile: 437-556-0254

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Mold Growth, Moisture, and Your Home

Moisture is one of the key requirements for mold growth in homes. There are different types of mold. Some molds require relatively very low levels of available moisture for them to grow. These types of mold are referred to as xerophilic and are likely to be found in almost every home. The common xerophilic fungi belong to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Wallemia. Some other molds require wet or highly damp prolonged conditions. These are referred to as hydrophilic (“water loving”) fungi and their presence in homes is an indication of moisture damage. Examples of indicators of moisture damage include Chaetomium, Stachybotrys and Fusarium.

Mold growth: Penicillium on wood

Mold growth: Penicillium on wood

 

Mold Growth Control

The best way to control mold growth is to eliminate moisture. Strategies to control mold growth involve:

  • Reducing humidity. It’s recommended that relative humidity be maintained at or below 60%.
  • Inspect the building regularly for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, or spills and take appropriate action
  • Respond promptly when you see signs of moisture and/or mold, or when leaks or spills occur
  • Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors by adding insulation
  • Frequently clean floor, carpet, and remove dust on surfaces. This reduces the amount of spores that would otherwise start new mold growth when moisture becomes available.

How Toxic is the Mould?

I have a question regarding mould. Thank you first off for someone that is passionate about what you love to do; its great how much you share about all that you know. I’ve been contacted by a young lady that needs information. She lives in Vancouver, BC in a rancher home built in the late 80’s, or early 90’s and she is having mould problems. She just discovered on a window sill, a yellow golfball-sized fungus, that has orange dots on it. When she touched it to clean, it burst and had green goo inside. She has had a persistent cough for several months now and when she talked to the landlord about the fungus, plus black staining in the bathroom, he threatened to evict them, as he just told them that he will paint over it and not to bother him again.

The Mould Stachybotrys

The Mould Stachybotrys is know to be toxic (toxigenic)

Question: Just how much should they be concerned and/or how toxic is the mould? She is an employee of mine and she had approached me as of today of the incident(s). I thank you in advance for your time.

Answer: It’s hard to tell the type of mould and whether it’s toxigenic or not from the description only. However, all moulds are potentially a health hazard and should be removed (not painted over). The source of moisture that is promoting mould growth should be identified and corrected otherwise mould will continue growing. As for your employee, the best thing to do if the landlord is not willing to remove the mould is to move out or to seek help/advice from the public health department who may compel the landlord to remove the mould. Before reporting to any authority she should be sure that the mould is growing due to the landlord’s negligence and not her own lifestyle.

Doctors Think It’s Lupus

Question: Hi, I don’t know if you can help me, I have worked every day for the past 6 years cleaning mold of mostly 100 plus year old paper which until recently no protective clothing was provided. I have now got an autoimmune disorder, they think it’s lupus, scarred bone marrow, scarred lungs, fungus of the nails, sinus problems, as well as slight bleeding of the lungs. I have done some reading on the net about the effects of mold and I have told the doctors that I think this is what’s causing my problems but I am always told no it wouldn’t be that. I cannot convince a doctor to do a blood test to see if this is what’s causing all my health problems. I don’t know where else to turn. What I am hoping is that you might know a doctor in the Sydney area (Australia) who will be willing to do a blood test. I would be forever grateful.

Thank you for taking the time in reading this.
 

 Answer: Thank you for your question. We really feel for you. Unfortunately we don’t know any doctor in Australia. It’s also possible that your doctors could be right. Give them a chance to try and diagnose your problem.