PHH offers solid assessment and remediation options with respect to mould, and has completed many projects in commercial and residential buildings.
The Potential Problem
Mould contamination in buildings can create problems for both building owners and occupants. Mould can grow on virtually any water affected building surface. Moulds can cause a wide range of symptoms in occupants, ranging from headache and flu-like symptoms to serious and possibly permanent health impairment.
Recently, there have been a number of high profile cases in North America involving the presence of moulds contamination in private and public buildings. The general public has major (and sometimes disproportionate) concerns about mould exposure and so, dealing with mould contamination in buildings requires sensitivity and clear communication.
One unique aspect of the internet age is that information on health issues (supportable and otherwise) has become democratically accessible. When we are asked to defend mould response to public meetings, most of the health references quoted are US derived.
Who May Be Affected?
PHH has provided mould consulting services to a wide range of clients including property managers, insurance companies, engineers, schools hospitals, building contractors and homeowners. Mould may be caused by building envelope failure, inadequate maintenance and sudden water damage such as floods and leaks. Inadequate heating and insulation has resulted in many residential properties suffering significant damage from condensation. Even new properties under construction can be impacted by mould growth if water damage occurs before the building envelope is watertight.
Mould and Insurance
Many insurance policies have mould exclusions, particularly relating to pre-existing conditions. Some mould contamination may however be covered under specific policies. It is important when choosing a consultant or contractor that they are adequately covered (such as PHH) for mould in their general liability and professional indemnity
Summary
We have conducted microbial projects in schools, office towers, public facilities and industrial facilities. Our services include:
- Awareness and Remediation Training
- Evaluating building and HVAC systems
- Microbial sampling and lab analysis (our mould laboratory in Canada is one of the few laboratories accredited under the AIHA EMLAP program.
- Inspections and monitoring
- Microbial control programs
PHH Environmental has recently completed a number of major surveys for mould growth in the UK..
John Holland (President of PHH Arc Environmental, PHH Environmental's parent company) said, "We have carried out 100s of mould surveys and supervised remedial works in Canada. Mould surveys and remediation works are common practice in North America, where the service is driven by the insurance companies and claims they have had to settle. However, this is an interesting development for our UK operation as the driver for this work is not the same in the UK. This is due to the differences in the legal system between the UK and North America. It would appear that UK clients are realising that mould spores can be a significant danger to health and safety and are acting cautiously in its removal. Clearly if not removed safely there can be a danger to the people removing the mould growth as well as any occupants of the business. Clearly we are well placed to assist our clients in the UK based on our experiences in Canada."
For details of the services PHH provide in relation to mould please contact Chris McFadden on 0845 260 1983 or , email
cmcfadden@phhenv.co.uk Chris has previously been seconded to our parent company in Canada and is up to date on the latest mould information.
