News & Insights

The Report on the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related Illnesses in Australia was presented in the House of Representatives in October 2018 by The Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport.

Greencap made a submission to this inquiry expressing concern on the lack of a regulatory framework for the assessment and remediation of managing water damage and mould in buildings. The absence of an accepted standard can leave occupants in buildings at risk of various health conditions and create confusion within the industry on the appropriate measures to be undertaken in the management of water damage and mould.

Mould occurs naturally and has a common presence in buildings, particularly after water damage, often caused by natural events or poor maintenance of water systems. The effects of mould exposure on health, whilst not present in everyone exposed, can result in a variety of symptoms ranging from respiratory difficulties, allergic reactions to nasal congestion and skin irritation.

The report draws upon the link between water damaged buildings and a variety of impacts on health, collectively termed Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). The inquiry revealed that from a medical standpoint, the causal relationship between CIRS and biotoxins, a biological substance that can have a toxic effect in humans, is difficult to determine, given the current lack in clinical guidelines for diagnosis. It can often lead the sufferer to search for alternate explanations of their condition.

Two significant recommendations from this report are for the industry to strive for consistency on the way impacts are assessed and managed, and more support to medical professionals to assist with diagnosis, treatment and care.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were offered by the committee as a proactive measure to enhance clinical and building management practices in regard to the prevention of mould-related illnesses:

1. Department of Health to produce a fact sheet and conduct further investigations on the potential health effects, prevalence in buildings and advice on prevention of mould
2. Further research should be facilitated by the Australian Government to establish agreed standards and/or accreditation requirements for the mould testing and remediation industries
3. Improved disclosure and rectification of mould and water damage in properties for tenants in rental properties, aged care facilities, community, social and public housing
4. Further research into the adequacy of existing building codes and building standards with regard to the prevention of dampness and mould

The need for improvement to the regulations and standards with regard to managing water damage and mould-related issues was a consistent theme addressed by Greencap and other contributors. These concerns were supported by the inquiry in its second recommendation which include the consideration of:

• the most effective methods of testing and remediation of buildings affected by mould and/or moisture
• appropriate accreditation requirements for professionals working in these fields
• options for greater regulatory oversight of these industries

Further information on this report can be found on the Parliament of Australia website

Greencap’s team are experienced, industry-recognised experts in mould and water damage assessment and advice, offering clients a range of solutions, from simple visual inspections to complex assessments and remedial advice:

• An initial assessment of a water ingress event
• Development of a remedial scope of works (if required)
• The completion of a post-remediation verification assessment at the completion of remedial works to demonstrate the issue has been appropriately remediated

For further information on these services email:  [email protected]