Mould is a type of fungi and thousands of different types exist.  People are exposed to many types of mould every day, both indoors and out.  Repeated studies have failed to prove that indoor mould growth causes disease. Exposure of some people to “mould and dampness” indoors may lead to an increase of the following symptoms:  eye, nose and throat irritation; coughing and phlegm build up; wheezing and shortness of breath; and allergic reactions.

Environmental Health Officers investigate complaints of mould growth in public places and in rental housing where a landlord has failed to take corrective action. Mould growth, regardless of type or colour, must be removed once the moisture is eliminated.  Moisture control is the answer to mould control:  no moisture=no mould growth.

Additional Information

• Facts about Mould
• Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors (Government of Canada)
• Moisture and Mould (Northwest Territories Housing Corporation)
• Reduce humidity, moisture and mould (Government of Canada)
• Infographic: Flood clean up and indoor air quality (Government of Canada)

Technical Resource Materials

• Moisture and Air: Householder’s Guide — Problems and Remedies (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
• Mould Removal (WSCC)