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Biological Pollutant Concerns
"Biological contaminants include bacteria, moulds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne."
The Inside Story 1995.
"When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mould growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.
It is impossible to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment.
However, mould growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors."
Moisture Control is the Key to Mould Control 2001.
Biological contaminants in our buildings are part of the general Indoor Air Quality concern but they differ from other problems associated with poor indoor air quality by being directly associated to moisture and are normally higher than the microbial particulate levels in the outdoor environment with the exception of plant pollens.
Microbiological organisms and particulates are naturally found everywhere in our environment, we have only begun to have real problems with them since we began making our homes more energy efficient and climate controlled. Increased humidity and condensation in the winter and the use of air conditioners in the summer have encouraged microbiological organisms to proliferate which in turn has increased the number of mould allergy problems.
The main concern is associated with the triggering of allergic reactions from these types of contaminants, particularly from the disease causing toxins released from moulds and mildew, and the protein from rats and mice urine, which when dry becomes airborne and is known to be a potent allergen. Other air particulate contaminants (dusts) act in compounding the problem by behaving as carriers for the biological and chemical contaminants, and by causing their own detrimental to health effects.
Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems particularly asthma, allergies and lung diseases are susceptible to the disease causing biological contaminants to be found in our indoor air. Some people do not experience health reactions from certain biological pollutants, while others may experience one or more of the following reactions:
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Infectious
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Allergic
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Toxic
Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, such as flu, measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis, may be spread indoors. Most infectious diseases pass from person to person through physical contact. Crowded conditions with poor air circulation can promote this spread.
Some bacteria and viruses thrive in buildings and circulate through indoor ventilation systems. Viruses and bacteria contaminants are very unlikely to not ever be circulating in the air mass of our buildings.
Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions and these may be the most common health problem with indoor air quality in homes. They are often connected with animal dander (mostly from cats and dogs), with house dust mites (microscopic animals living in household dust), and with pollen. Allergic reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life threatening, as in a severe asthma attack.
Some common signs and symptoms are:
Many allergic reactions caused by Biological allergens will generally occur immediately after exposure.
Toxic reactions are the least studied and understood health problem caused by some biological air pollutants in the home. Toxins can damage a variety of organs and tissues in the body, including the liver, the central nervous system, the digestive tract, and the immune system.
It should be noted that the use of uncertified mould inspectors & remediators could lead to litigation.
Be sure that you only use the services of proven certified people in mould issues.
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