If you’re a home or business owner, you’ve most likely heard both asbestos and black mould can be extremely dangerous to the health of those exposed to it. Before we dive into the differences between these two contaminants, we want to remind you of the importance of having both dealt with professionally.
The main difference between black Mould and asbestos is one is naturally occurring and the other is a man-made material. Black mould is an environmental fungus which can grow on any surface while asbestos is a carcinogenic material. An important point to note is that once asbestos is removed there is no risk of it’s return, while black mould can continue to grow if not properly removed or the root of the issue is not resolved.
Asbestos
Prior to 1980 many insulation and building products contained the naturally occurring mineral. Once it was determined there was an increased risk upon inhaling fibres, asbestos was banned from use in new construction. That said, keep in mind the material exists in buildings built prior to 1980. If you are planning to do any renovations, we recommend having a certified professional inspect the area and advise if the material exists in the renovation area.
Black Mould
Black mould thrives in moist areas and can release spores which are dangerous to the health of those exposed. Those spores cause symptoms such as respiratory problems, dizziness, headaches and itchy/runny eyes. When you read that, it’s very similar to allergy symptoms so you should monitor if the symptoms are more prominent within your home and diminish when you leave. You may also find the symptoms to be exacerbated during the winter months as Winterpeggers are quite often stuck in their homes for extended periods of time.
One noticeable element to consider when you find black mould in your home or business is that is there a secondary problem in the form of moisture build-up. This is generally caused by a water leak or poor ventilation in high-moisture areas such as the bathroom. Mould removal specialists are trained in detecting not only the fungus but can also generally detect the root cause.
Asbestos Removal and Black Mould Removal
The good news is there are safe methods for the removal of both of the harm-causing contaminants and our professionals are experienced in identifying black mould growth and asbestos containing materials. If you suspect either of these materials are in your home or business, contact us today to book your inspection. We’re here to bring “care to your air”.
