While people often associate most mould growth as being black, the truth is that mould can be multiple colours. It can be brown, purple, orange, pink, yellow, red, white, or even a combination of colours. The colour of mould can be influenced by food source, humidity level, and light.  The colour of mould is also influenced by region. For instance, it has been reported that the Pacific Northwest has more green and blue mould while the Amazon rainforest has more orange mould.

Black mould is often referred to as “toxic mould” and is what most people might be familiar with. While black mould is associated with the Stachybotrys chartarum, the toxic black mould, it is important to note that the same mould type can appear as several different colours and within a mould sample, a number of spore types can be present.

Moulds come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. It is crucial to note that colour is not always an identifying characteristic of mould or toxicity. Regardless of the colour of any mould, it is a sign that there is an active moisture problem. The moisture problem should be fixed and the mould should be removed/remediated as soon as possible.

Exposure to mouldy and damp environments can cause a variety of health issues. Depending on the person, symptoms can range from irritated eyes and skin, a stuffy nose, fever, and shortness of breath. Routine building inspections targeting signs of water damage and visible mould can go a long way to preventing serious mould growth. Upon noticing mould growth, it is always better to minimize risk and correct the conditions causing the growth as soon as possible.

Premier offers a variety of services to help your organization maintain a healthy indoor environment. Our qualified and experienced staff can help by examining conditions, documenting concerns, and develop a remediation action plan addressing specific issues and concerns within your building. Contact us to see how we can keep your building safe for occupancy.

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