A bout your HOUSE

THE CONDOMINIUM OWNERS’ CE 36 GUIDE TO MOLD

Understanding molds You encounter mold every day. Foods spoil because of mold. Leaves decay and pieces of wood lying on the ground • MOLD CAN BE HARMFUL rot due to mold. That fuzzy black OR HELPFUL – growth on wet window sills is mold. Paper or fabrics stored in a damp place DEPENDING ON WHERE get a musty smell that is due to the IT GROWS. action of molds. • MOLD NEEDS MOISTURE Molds can be useful to people. The TO GROW. drug Penicillin is obtained from a specific • MOLD DOES NOT GROW type of mold. Some foods and beverages are made by the actions of molds. The ON DRY MATERIALS. good kinds of molds are selected and • MOLD GROWING INSIDE grown in a controlled fashion. A CONDO CAN AFFECT Molds are undesirable when they grow THE OCCUPANTS. where we don’t want them, such as in homes. Over 270 species of mold have • OCCUPANTS CAN LEARN been identified as living in Canadian TO RECOGNIZE MOLD homes. Molds that grow inside may be different from the ones found outdoors.

What are molds? Molds are microscopic fungi, a group of organisms which also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Fungi are highly adapted to grow and reproduce rapidly, producing spores and mycelia in the process. About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

What makes molds grow?

Molds will grow if we provide them How can you tell if it is mold? with moisture and nutrients. If we keep things dry, molds do not grow. Discolouration

High moisture levels can be the result Discolouration is a sign of mold. However, all discolouration is not due to of water coming in from the outside, mold. Carpeting near baseboards, for example, can be stained by outdoor through the floor, walls or roof; or pollution entering the home. Stains or soot may also be caused by the from plumbing leaks; or moisture smoke from burning candles or cigarette. produced by the people living in the Mold may be any colour : black, white, red, orange, yellow, blue or violet. condo, through daily activities like Dab a drop of household bleach onto a suspected spot. If the stain loses bathing, washing clothes or cooking. its colour or disappears, it may be mold. If there is no change, it probably Water enters the building when there is isn’t mold. a weakness or failure in the structure. Moisture accumulates within a condo Smell/Odour when there is not enough ventilation to expel that moisture. Sometimes molds are hidden and cannot be seen. A musty or earthy smell often indicates the presence of molds. But a smell may not be present for Different kinds of molds grow on all molds. Even when you don’t notice a smell, wet spots, dampness or different materials. Certain kinds of evidence of a water leak are indications of moisture problems and mold molds like an extremely wet may follow. environment. Other kinds of molds may be growing even if no water can be seen. Dampness inside the material can be enough to allow them to grow.

Why are molds a concern? Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mold present in a home, Damage to materials is one concern. the amount and degree of exposure, Materials get stained or discoloured, and the health condition of the and over time they are ruined. Moldy occupant, the health effects of mold paper and cardboard disintegrate over can range from being insignificant to time. Fabrics are damaged. Continued causing allergic reactions and illness. mold growth can be indicative of moisture conditions favorable for Pregnant women, infants, the elderly growth of fungi that cause wood rot and those with health problems, such and structural damage. as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at risk when When molds are growing inside the exposed to mold. Consult your family home, there may be health concerns. physician if you believe there is Molds release chemicals and spores. someone who may be at risk.

2 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

When is mold a problem? When should you seek professional help? • ESTIMATE HOW MUCH You may need professional help when: MOLD IS GROWING. • There is an extensive amount of • YOU CAN CLEAN UP A mold; “SMALL AREA” OF • The condo is very damp and moist; MOLD YOURSELF. How much mold is growing? • Mold comes back after repeated • FOR LARGER MOLD cleaning; and One way is to estimate the area of the AREAS OR RECURRENT mold. • A family member suffers from MOLD PROBLEMS, SEEK asthma or respiratory problems or Mold is considered to cover a “small other health problems that appear PROFESSIONAL HELP. area” if it is no larger than the size of a to be aggravated inside the condo. standard garbage bag folded in half (crosswise or lengthwise). If there is How do you get Is there a mold problem? another mold patch beyond two garbage professional help? bag lengths away it is considered a Molds are always found in the air separate patch (otherwise it all counts Advise your Condominium Board of outside and in all buildings. They come as a larger patch). Clean up small areas mold problems you may be experiencing. into the home in many ways - through yourself using a detergent solution, Your Condominium Board will open windows or doors, on clothing, household rubber gloves and a dust determine if envelope specialists should pets, food or furniture. The problem mask for protection. be consulted to resolve moisture ingress starts when mold grows inside the unit. Small moldy areas may become larger through the envelope. Some mold growing, for example on over time if ignored, so it’s important You may wish to seek advice on how the window sill but not elsewhere, is to clean up and remove even small you can improve your own unit. not a cause of concern. You can clean patches of mold. Contact your local CMHC office for a the mold yourself. The presence of If the patch of mold or all nearby list of individuals who have completed mold is a sign that there is too much patches (less than two garbage bag the CMHC Residential Indoor Air moisture in your condo - a situation lengths apart) combined are larger than Quality Investigator program. A trained which must be corrected. a garbage bag folded in half but smaller IAQ investigator, who operates a than a 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood or private business and sells his/her Mold that is isolated inside walls and drywall, the mold area is considered services, examines the inside indoor air which cannot easily come in contact “moderate.” You can clean up moderate quality conditions of your condo and with the occupants is less of an amounts of mold but you must follow documents your concerns. He/she immediate concern but should be dealt the proper procedures and use the identifies the problems, finds their with by the Condominium Board.* proper protective equipment. sources and suggests solutions in a written report. Recommendations are Inspect the condo to find the extent of the A mold area is considered “extensive” if provided to you in an action plan that mold. Advise your Condominium Board a single patch of mold is larger in area consists of various options to improve if you suspect a serious mold problem. than a sheet of plywood. Being exposed the indoor air quality in your home. to this much mold is not a good idea. Do not attempt to clean up large areas Ask your Condominium Board for of mold yourself. You need professional names of mold clean-up contractors - help to determine why the mold is individuals who have been trained to there in the first place and how to clean clean up mold. it up.

*References to Condominium Board can also be read to mean Strata Council or Property Manager. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 3 About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

How to clean up small mold problems a) Safety precautions • Wear a half-face respirator with charcoal cartridges, safety goggles, • “SMALL AREAS” OF MOLD CAN BE CLEANED WITH A heavy-duty rubber gloves, DETERGENT SOLUTION. disposable coveralls and head covering, and washable boots. • WEAR A MASK, SAFETY GOGGLES, RUBBER GLOVES AND A • Isolate the area to be cleaned with LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT. plastic sheeting, taped to walls and • SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF THERE IS A LOT OF MOLD ceiling. OR IF MOLD COMES BACK AFTER CLEANING. • Family members at higher risk should not be in the work area during the clean-up. “Small area” clean-up How to clean up moderate mold problems b) General cleaning You can clean up “small areas” of mold (less than the area covered by a garbage Vacuum surfaces with a vacuum cleaner bag folded in half) yourself. The • CLEAN “MODERATE which has a High Efficiency Particulate minimum protective wear needed is: Air (HEPA) filter or is externally AREAS” OF MOLD, BUT exhausted. Scrub or brush the moldy • safety glasses or goggles; WEAR PROPER PROTEC- area with a mild detergent solution. • a disposable dust mask (3M 8210 TIVE EQUIPMENT AND Rinse by sponging with a clean, wet or equivalent); rag. Repeat. Dry quickly. FOLLOW PRECAUTIONS. • household rubber gloves; and • NOTIFY YOUR CONDO- c) Cleaning wood surfaces • long-sleeved shirts and old clothes. MINIUM BOARD OF Vacuum loose mold from wood surfaces Occupants with asthma, allergies or REMEDIATION STEPS IN using a HEPA or externally exhausted other health problems should be out of vacuum. Try cleaning the surface of the the unit during the cleaning. YOUR OWN UNIT. wood with detergent and water. Rinse • SEEK PROFESSIONAL with a clean, damp rag and dry quickly. Steps to follow in cleaning HELP IF THERE IS A LOT If the staining does not come off, sand up small mold areas and vacuum the surface of the wood OF MOLD OR IF MOLD with a vacuum/sander combination. It Washable surfaces COMES BACK AFTER is important to vacuum at the same time to prevent mold spores from being Scrub with a detergent solution; then CLEANING. dispersed into the air. Note that wood sponge with a clean, wet rag and dry affected by rot may need to be replaced. quickly.

Moldy drywall If you follow the proper procedures and use the proper protective equipment, Clean the surface with a damp rag you can clean up “moderate areas” of using baking soda or a bit of detergent. mold. “Moderate” means the patch of Do not allow the drywall to get too wet. mold or all nearby patches (less than Mold that comes back after cleaning two garbage bag lengths apart) is usually an indication that a source combined is larger than a garbage bag of moisture has not been removed. folded in half but smaller than a 4 x 8 Seek professional help from a trained foot sheet of plywood. IAQ investigator.

4 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

d) Cleaning concrete surfaces Dealing with an ongoing problem Vacuum the concrete surfaces to be cleaned with a HEPA or externally • WATER ENTERING UNITS FROM THE OUTSIDE REQUIRES exhausted vacuum cleaner. Clean up surfaces with detergent and water. If REPAIR TO THE BUILDING ENVELOPE. the surfaces are visibly moldy, use TSP • OWNERS CAN REDUCE THEIR EXPOSURE TO MOLD IN (trisodium phosphate). Dissolve 1 cup of TSP in two gallons of warm water. THEIR OWN UNITS. Stir for two minutes. Note: TSP must not be allowed to come in contact with skin or eyes. Saturate the moldy concrete Repair to the building envelope is 4. Pull carpets and furnishings away surface with the TSP solution using a required if moisture is entering the unit from walls that get wet. Carpets sponge or rag. Keep the surface wetted from the outside. Your Condominium and underpads that are moldy for at least 15 minutes. Rinse the Board may already be undertaking the should be cut out and discarded. concrete surface twice with clean water. work or is in the process of preparing 5. Take steps to dry up areas that get Dry thoroughly, as quickly as possible. to carry out the remediation. wet. Monitor the relative humidity of Condominium owners, meanwhile, can the air. Use a portable dehumidifier, e) Moldy drywall take steps to reduce their exposure to if necessary. Ensure that the mold in their own units. The paper facings of gypsum wallboard condensate drain pan of the (drywall) grow mold when they get wet 1. Discard moldy or damaged dehumidifier is emptied regularly. or repeatedly wet and don’t dry quickly. materials.Wear a dust mask and 6. If the mold is limited to one area, Cleaning with water containing gloves. Furnishings, such as isolate the area if possible. Cover detergent not only adds moisture to the mattresses, carpets, or sofas that got the affected surfaces with plastic paper but also can eventually damage wet or have been stored in damp sheeting secured at the edges with the facing. If the mold is located only conditions should be discarded. duct tape. Note that this is only a on top of the painted surface, remove it Discard items that are no longer temporary measure to minimize by general cleaning (above). If the mold needed. Clothes and other items your exposure. is underneath the paint, the moldy that have been cleaned should be patch and other moldy material behind stored in sealed plastic bags to 7. Healthy individuals can regularly it are best cut out and the surrounding prevent re-contamination. clean “small” and “moderate” areas areas also cleaned. This should be done of mold, thus preventing these 2. Proper vacuuming reduces the by a mold clean-up contractor. New from getting out of hand, by amount of mold spores. All materials may become moldy if the following the safety precautions surfaces in the condo (floors, walls, moisture entry has not been stopped. If and cleaning guidelines. ceilings, shelves) and non-washable this is the case, replacement of the furnishings (such as sofas, chairs, 8. Consider seeking professional help materials should be deferred until the etc.) must be vacuumed from trained IAQ investigators to remediation of the building is thoroughly. identify appropriate remediation completed. The affected areas should be steps inside the unit. Removing large temporarily covered with plastic 3. Keep moisture generated within amounts of mold will require the sheeting and sealed at the edges. the unit to a minimum by services of mold clean-up contractors. conscientiously following the Any areas that show new patches of prevention steps. mold should be cleaned promptly.

Notify your Condominium Board of the extent of mold in your unit.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 5 About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

Preventing mold hardware store or electronics store. A hygrometer costs from $5 to • KEEP THE CONDO DRY. $20. Relative humidity in the home should be under 50%. If • FIND AND FIX WATER necessary, use a dehumidifier to LEAKS. lower the relative humidity. • DISCARD CLUTTER AND • Reduce the amount of stored materials, especially items that are no EXCESS STORED longer used. Molds grow on fabrics, MATERIALS. paper, wood and practically anything • CLEAN AND MAINTAIN that collects dust and holds moisture.

THE CONDO REGULARLY. Mold-proofing your • ENCOURAGE LIFESTYLE condominium, room inside the HRV often. PRACTICES THAT by room • If you notice molds or signs of dampness, such as water on your REDUCE MOISTURE. Basement or crawl space windows or wet spots elsewhere, do not humidify. (Note: Although this section was written for • Disconnect furnace humidifiers Basic steps to prevent and homeowners, some of the principles would that are no longer used. reduce mold growth also apply to basements in condominium buildings. Communicate with your • If you have electric baseboards, • Mold needs moisture to grow. Condominium Board.) vacuum the units, or have a Controlling the moisture and professional clean them for you. keeping the condo dry prevents the • Reduce the amount of clothes, growth of mold. paper and furnishings stored in the Laundry areas • Check your condo for signs of basement. Discard badly damaged • Check that your clothes dryer moisture and molds. materials. Eliminate clutter to improve air circulation. Only exhausts to the outside. • Find out if water is coming in from washable items should be stored. • Remove lint every time you use the outside and if substantial moisture the dryer. is produced inside the condo. • Avoid carpets on slab-on-grade or below-grade floors. • Don’t hang-dry laundry indoors. • Report any water leaks, moisture or molds to the Condominium Board • Periodically clean the drain in your • Dry your laundry tub and washing promptly. basement floor. Use half a cup of machine after you use them. bleach, let it stand for a few minutes, • Think of the different ways moisture then flush with plenty of water. Bathrooms is produced inside the condo (for Keep the drain trap filled with water. example, cooking, bathing, numerous • Check the bathroom fan to make indoor plants). Remove the moisture • Avoid standing water. Keep sump sure it exhausts to the outside. as it is produced by using exhaust pits covered (you can use plywood wrapped with plastic). • Turn the bathroom fan on when you fans. In the absence of fans, open shower. Keep it running for a few windows for a short time, but note minutes after you finish your shower. that the wind can push the moisture Furnace room • Take short showers. to other parts of the condo. • Regularly clean and replace furnace • Keep surfaces that get wet, such as • Measure how much moisture is in filters. Use a pleated one-inch filter, the walls around the bathtub and the air. To find the relative not a coarse filter. shower, clean and dry. humidity in your home, you’ll need • If you have a heat recovery a hygrometer. You can buy one at a ventilator (HRV), clean the filter • If there is a carpet in your bathroom, remove it.

6 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold

• Check for water leaks. into the condo, have them take Turn the humidifier on and off as • Keep drains in good shape by off their shoes. necessary. In the morning, take steps to make sure the room gets dry. Clean and removing debris from them. • Vacuum often. If you are buying a empty the humidifier after each use. To clean a drain: vacuum cleaner, try to get one with a HEPA filter (see below). • Pour a handful of baking soda into it. What advantages do HEPA • Add a cup of vinegar. • Clean hard floors with a damp mop. vacuums provide? • Put the plug in the drain. • Do not bring into your condo Ordinary vacuums capture large particles • Let the vinegar and baking soda furniture, clothing, books, etc. that only - small mold spores pass through work for about 20 minutes. have been stored in a moldy place. the vacuum into the air. HEPA vacuums have special filters that capture small • Run fresh water into the drain. • Cut down the number of potted particles. A central vacuum cleaner • If the drain is still clogged, use a plants in the house – soil is a good which is exhausted to the outside also small plumbing snake. place for mold. removes mold spores. A regular portable vacuum is useful only if its exhaust goes Kitchen Exterior outside the home. Vacuuming removes • If the fan over your stove exhausts (Contact your Condominium Board) settled dust that contains an accumulation outside, use it when you cook. of mold spores over time. Reducing the • Regularly check the condition of settled dust reduces molds. • Minimize open boiling. the roof and exterior finish for any • Keep your drains in good shape. places where water might enter. Vacuuming with any vacuum cleaner Follow the steps in the Bathroom (ordinary, central or HEPA) stirs dust and • Make sure that eavestroughs and section above. mold during the process. Wear a dust mask downspouts are connected and so you will not be breathing more mold. • There’s a drip pan at the back of working properly and that they are your refrigerator. Pull the refrigerator free of debris. Is vacuuming with a HEPA or out to clean the drip pan. At the externally exhausted vacuum same time, vacuum dust from the • Install downspout extensions to cleaner recommended for coils at the back of the refrigerator. lead water away from the building. serious mold problems only? • Check under the kitchen sink to • Deal promptly with any problems make sure there are no leaks. that you find. Vacuum regularly with a HEPA or externally exhausted vacuum cleaner to • Take out the garbage daily to prevent the ongoing accumulation of dust prevent odours and spoiling. Frequently asked questions about mold and molds. The need for HEPA or Closets and bedrooms external exhaust vacuuming increases with the severity of the mold problem. • Get rid of clothes and other stored The air feels dry - can I humidify? If a furnishing has been wet at some items that you don’t use. Keeping Before you add moisture to the air, time in the past or has been exposed to your closets and bedrooms tidy measure the relative humidity. Air that dampness over a prolonged period of makes it easier for air to circulate – feels dry may not be really dry. It may time, vacuuming with HEPA or externally and harder for mold to grow. be moldy. High relative humidity (over exhausted vacuum is unlikely to remove 50%) promotes the growth of molds Other parts of the condo the mold growing beneath the surface. and dust mites. The moisture in the air It is better to discard the item. • A dehumidifier helps to reduce may condense on colder exterior walls moisture in the condo during the where molds start to grow. Where do you find a HEPA warmer months. Close the windows vacuum cleaner? when the dehumidifier is running. If your physician has advised you to use a humidifier in your child’s bedroom at Vacuum cleaner dealers carry HEPA • When family and friends come night, monitor the relative humidity. vacuums. Consider purchasing one as

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 7 About Your House The Condominium Owners’ Guide to Mold an upgrade to what you may be using. are washable should be cleaned with a can help by controlling moisture that is A HEPA vacuum is a good investment detergent solution, following the produced inside the condo. in the long term whether you have procedure suggested on page 4, then How does one clean clothes that mold or not. A generic canister HEPA allowed to dry. If you are going to are moldy? vacuum cleaner costs approximately paint, remove any mold first. $300. Brand name products of the Does cleaning stop the mold Non-washable clothing can be dry cleaned. same type may cost more.You may growth? Wash clothes with a detergent solution inquire if the dealer has a HEPA to which a cup of bleach is added. Mold will reappear until its source of vacuum cleaner to rent. Contractors Make sure the detergent you use does moisture is removed. High moisture levels who clean up or renovate houses for not contain ammonia. Repeat as that are not corrected can make the mold should also have this equipment. necessary until the moldy odour is gone. molds grow back quickly. Cleaning is Does painting over a moldy only a temporary but essential measure. Clothes and other items that have been surface take care of the mold? cleaned should be stored in sealed You can help by making a conscious effort plastic bags to prevent re-contamination. Painting over mold only masks the to keep the condo dry. For obvious problem. Paint does not kill the mold reasons water must be prevented from nor stop it from growing. Surfaces that entering the condominium. But you

To find more About Your House fact sheets plus a wide variety of information products, visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca.You can also reach us by telephone at 1 800 668-2642 or by fax at 1 800 245-9274.

Priced Publications Homeowner’s Inspection Checklist Order No. 62114 Healthy Housing Renovation Planner Order No. 60957 Cleaning Up Your House After A Flood Order No. 61094 Clean Air Guide : How to Identify and Correct Indoor Air Problems in Your Home Order No. 61082 Clean-up Procedures for Mold in Houses Order No. 61091

Free Publications About Your House fact sheets Measuring Humidity in Your Home Order No. 62027 The Importance of Kitchen and Bathroom Fans Order No. 62037

©2001, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Printed in Canada Produced by CMHC 03-05 Revised 2004, 2005

Although this information product reflects housing experts’ current knowledge, it is provided for general information purposes only. Any reliance or action taken based on the information, materials and techniques described are the responsibility of the user. Readers are advised to consult appropriate professional resources to determine what is safe and suitable in their particular case. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation assumes no responsibility for any consequence arising from use of the information, materials and techniques described. 62341

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