AFTER persistent wet weather followed by little sunshine, the northern beaches is facing a mould outbreak in properties right across the LGA, with removal experts predicting widespread growth will continue.
Warren Bailey, owner of the Mould Cleaning Solutions, said he and many other mould removing businesses have been run off their feet since February when severe wet weather lashed Sydney.
"The phone hasn't stopped ringing," Mr Bailey said. "When it [mould outbreak] took off I was getting 100 calls a day. It's died down a little but we're still doing two or three jobs a day."
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Mould grows in a home when moisture from heavy rain, or even just condensation from the air, finds its way into cracks and crevices resulting in a spore-producing fungus called Aspergillus or Alternaria. This fungus grows on damp surfaces and releases chemicals that smell musty. These produce black streaks and patches throughout the home which, if not treated, can cause illness.
Australia's east coast experienced three intense rain showers between February and April that resulted in heavy flooding. Moisture due to these rains has caused mould growth in properties right across Sydney. Mr Bailey said no area has escaped the outbreak.
With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting in its winter outlook that eastern Australia can expect above-average winter rainfall, residents are being urged to prepare their homes as best they can to prevent mould growth.
Mr Bailey said leaky gutters, roofs and windows, poor ventilation in the home, particularly bathrooms, and gardens being too close to the home were common causes of a mould outbreak.
Rising dampness, when moisture from under the house gets inside, is another prominent cause of mould.
For those who have a mould outbreak in their home, Mr Bailey advised that an expert should be brought in if the size of the growth is "bigger than a fist".
"If it's bigger than your fist you should be getting an expert to clean it," he said. "When it's that big, you should be wearing PPE to remove it.
"You don't want pregnant women or people with health conditions dealing with mould because it can make them sick.
"That's what I enjoy about this job. You're improving people's health."
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