Is Mould the new Summer Cold?

It is what we don’t see, and breathe, that matters...

Recently, client phoned Healthy Building Systems because he feared he may be highly allergic to particular species of mould, Following a skin test, conducted by his Naturopath on him, which also suspected that was the case.

Every morning he was waking up feeling fatigued. Constantly tired, saying he never seemed to get quality sleep. Coupled with other mould sensitivity symptoms - lethargy, low energy levels; he told us "...almost as though I have chronic fatigue!”.    

SICK-BUILDING SYNDROME

As experienced indoor hygiene environmentalist, specializing in mould and indoor built environments; we knew exactly what to look for.

We began by asking him a series of probing questions in relation to his home. Then, with his permission proceeded to test, with air and surface sampling, moisture levels along with physical inspections for any sort of water ingress or visual mould.

Typically, whenever we analyse for mould we will take moisture readings in sub-floors and walls, as levels of moisture are key. Yet, in this subject’s case, his readings were inside quite an acceptable range; averaging out at between 8-10% (anything above 15-17% is 'at risk').

We asked if we could inspect his main bedroom because it was our informed assumption this room was to be the cause of his issues; lethargy, poor sleep patterns, tiredness etc.

Continuing on with the investigation, pulling back the carpet, testing under it and the same with his bedding.

What's interesting here? At all points through our initial examinations - there really wasn't any visible signs of mould or moisture.

On our way into the home we observed an air-conditioner on the roof.

Evaporative system with no cover over the unit.

Client explained to us, he only tended to use that in summer months.

Back in the bedroom, we noticed the main window was open too (approx 100 mm.)

Client said it was always open 24/7 - 365 days.

Inspecting around outside his window - nothing else observable which would seemingly cause any issues.

We proceeded to remove the supply grill (left) and used a smoke stick to indicate the airflow moving through the flex duct work and then back out again, into his bedroom. 

Placed a surface Rodac plate into the ductwork and taking air samples in bedroom, while the bedroom door remained closed at this point.

Purpose of this testing (both Air and Surface sampling) with Rodac agar plates enables us to send the specimens to the Lab for species identification; so it provides us with valid information on the mould present, and acts as confirmation (or otherwise) against our client's initial skin patch testing.

Now, we really started to 'connect the dots' for him…   

Room was being crossed-ventilated (read: contaminated) culprits being the evaporative cooler on the roof cross-ventilating with the open window.

Taking our air and surface samples off to lab, scientists performed mould species identification for our client.

What came back from air and surface sampling?

No surprises....

Very same mould species in his bedroom that he was highly allergic to. 

See samples at left

We followed up with another visit to client’s home; this time indicating that we needed to dig deeper for him.

This time, we conducted sample testing on both his mattress and pillow sending these off to the Lab too.

Meanwhile we closed off supply vents to his bedroom, sealed up total supply grill to ensure it mitigates any cross-ventilation between the evaporative cooler and the window - while we we waited for the results to come back from Lab on his pillow and mattress testing.

More bad news....

Lab results in hand, we showed the client; immediately sharing with him a series of measures that had to happen to rectify these frightening results (at right).

LIFE-CHANGING IMPROVEMENTS

Client called us back four days later and excitedly told us just how much better he felt and what a quality sleep he was finally getting! Sleeping all through the night, with clearer breathing, more energy when he gets up in the morning too.  

In effect, isn't this life-changing stuff for him?  

TAKE-OUTS FROM THIS?

There are several important lessons here: 

1. Just because an area might look clean, smell clean - doesn't mean it is clean. 
2. Big observation, after years in environmental hygiene, is air conditioners, of all kinds in the home, office, even the car, play such critical role in poor health outcomes for people and the Indoor Built Environment. They are serious perpetrators of mould and other ill health effects. Now know there is a clear link drawn between mould and aggravated sinus’, breathing difficulties which makes servicing any air conditioner crucial.
3. HVACs are the greatest passage way for pollutants in buildings - ranging from any number of things: mould, bacteria, insulation fibres, dust, mites, exhaust fumes...essentially, list is endless.

Just how many “summer colds” will there be, as soon as people start up their dormant, musty air conditioners, after winter?