In response to a number of reports of dampness, we were called to investigate the indoor air quality of a building in Shepton Mallet. The main damp problems in the property were rooted in the ground floor, which had been affected, by persistent damp and odour problems prior to our arrival. Staff working in the building had expressed serious concerns about their health and the surrounding work environment. Prior to conducting our investigation, there were clear damp odours in several of the internal areas.
After investigating the indoor air quality of the property, we identified that the indoor air quality on the ground floor was poor. There was a considerable amount of fungal contamination, which meant that risk to health from exposure to fungal spores was medium to high. In order for the property to become safe, it was necessary to undertake repairs and to remove the existing fungal contamination using appropriate measures.
The Mould Survey
The spore trap samples we collected on the ground floor were dominated by Penicillium/Aspergillus type spores alongside hyphal fragment. In addition, the samples also indicated the presence of water damage moulds such as Chaetomium and Stachybotrys which weren’t present outdoors. Unfortunately, the Aspergillus/Penicillium spores, Chaetomium spores, and Stachybotrys spores are all considered highly allergenic.
The Damp Inspection
After conducting a damp inspection we identified that two rooms were suffering from endemic dampness. In the front room, there was a long-term leak coming from the sink, and from a compressor situated in the corner cupboard. Upon entry to the room, there was a foul odour in the room that had caused the deterioration of the corner cabinets. Surprisingly though, there was no fungal contamination in this room besides some minor mould on the cabinet’s woodwork.
Similarly, the ground floor storeroom was also suffering from strong damp and mould related odors. There was fungal contamination in cabinets and behind the skirting boards and water damage to plastering. After closer inspection, we found that one of the heater unit pipes showed signs of water staining and accumulation of mineral deposits, which could be indicative of occasional water overflow. The staff notified us that around 2 years ago the room was flooded with sewage from a drain in the back corridor. All other rooms have been inspected and show no signs of elevated moisture, water damage or fungal contamination.
Preventing Future Problems
Moisture mapping and investigation showed that the property was suffering from an active leak on the ground floor. In the front room, we recommended that the leaking pipe and compressor be repaired and the corner cabinet is replaced. In addition, we recommended that the area is thoroughly sanitized. With regards to the ground floor storage room, we recommended that the sink unit and damaged cabinets be removed. In areas where mould contamination was present, there would need to be the application of an antifungal agent to prevent reoccurrence of mould.
Our assessment of indoor air quality indicated that fungal spores significantly affected the air quality with the air quality in the front room and the ground floor storeroom being poor. Our investigation suggested that risk to health from exposure to fungal elements was likely to be medium to high. By carrying out the necessary building maintenance the building owners would be able to minimize the dampness in the property.
