Mold can affect your health, and damage your home. Solving a moisture problem is often the key to eliminating mold. Homes that have been flooded may need extra attention to prevent excess moisture and mold.

Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

Yes, especially if your home has been flooded. Airborne mold spores and debris from dead mold colonies can result in allergic reactions or respiratory problems for some people. However, most people will not develop a health problem when exposed to mold.

Who may be at greater risk when exposed to mold?

It is a wise precaution for everyone to minimize their exposure to mold. However, people under any of the following categories may be at greater risk of developing an adverse reaction when exposed to mold:

• infants and children
• the elderly
• pregnant women
• individuals with existing medical concerns, allergies or sensitivities, or with compromised immune systems.

I think I have a moisture problem in my home. What should I do?

If your home has been flooded, or has had any other major moisture problem, please refer to the chart below. Follow the directions to help you determine if you may have a mold problem. If in doubt, contact any of the departments listed on the back page of this publication for further information and guidance.

I may have a mold problem in my home. What should I do now?

Again, please refer to the chart below and for more complete information read Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's publications referred to in the chart. A small area (0.3 square metre) of mold may be cleaned using a solution of one part bleach in four parts water, plus a small amount of non-ammonia detergent. Work safely and protect yourself - be sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask.

If you are cleaning an area up to ten square metres, use rubber gloves and a half-face respirator with HEPA filters (available at safety supply stores). Clean affected materials first, then surrounding areas. Dry the cleaned areas as quickly as possible, and be sure to address the cause of moisture, or mold will return.

If an area larger than ten square metres is affected, we strongly recommend that you use a professional contractor to deal with the problem. Such a professional should be qualified to perform cleaning at a level comparable to that used in the removal of asbestos from buildings. Protective measures for clean-up in large areas must include:

• building evacuation during clean-up
• full-face PAPR respirator (HEPA type)
• full, disposable suit, gloves, boots (duct taped), and thorough wash-up after cleaning
• physical isolation of affected area (vapour barrier, negative air pressure)
• double bagging of all materials removed
• vacuum cleaning with HEPA-type filter

Less than 10m2 (30 sq.ft.)		More than 10m2 (30 sq.ft.)
	Recommendations:		Recommendations:
Health	Seek advice from family physician or Health Department	Health	Seek advice from family physician or Health Department
House	Immediate clean-up using proper procedures and safety precautions *	House	Immediate clean-up by a remediation contractor.
Furniture	Clean* and monitor, or seek professional advice.	Furniture	Seek a professional contractor to clean items, or list/dispose of items that cannot be cleaned.
* Refer to CMHC booklets Clean-up Procedures for Mold in Houses - NHA 6753, and Cleaning Up Your House After a Flood - NHA 6789 Note: Once stripping and cleaning is complete, it is recommended that rebuilding be delayed until the space is completely dry, and after long-term moisture problems have been corrected.