Mould

The Issue:

The serious potential health affects from mould have been known for some time now.  For example:

• Health Canada's web-site advises that mould can cause a number of health problems:

  Allergic reactions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis;

  Non-allergic reactions such as headaches and other symptoms;

  Lung and breathing infections.

• The CMHC web-site advises that "….when moulds are growing inside the home, there may be health concerns. Moulds release chemicals and spores. Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mould present in a home, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition of the occupant, the health effects of mould can range from being insignificant to causing allergic reactions and illness."

Yet, despite this awareness about the potential serious health impacts from mould in homes, building codes in Canada do not adequately protect new homeowners from mould. Unfortunately, Ontario's Building Code has actually regressed in the last decade in that in 1996 the need for a heat-recovery ventilator was removed from the Ontario Building Code.  A heat-recovery ventilator is a device that brings fresh air into the house and helps to control moisture.  This change by the Ontario government was very counterproductive, especially considering that often new homes are now built airtight to save energy. As well, new homeowners of the now infamous "leaky condo" fiasco in British Columbia were also inadequately protected from mould.

Canadians for Properly Built Homes' Position:

We are calling for appropriate legislation throughout Canada to ensure that homeowners are adequately protected from the potential serious health consequences from mould.

 What can concerned citizens do?

•  Write or telephone your Provincial Member of Parliament and ask for appropriate protection related to mould in new homes, e.g., a heat-recovery ventilator required by Code
• Write or telephone the appropriate ministry within your provincial/territorial government responsible for housing and ask for appropriate protection related to mould in new homes, e.g., a heat-recovery ventilator required by Code