Rawk J Services Ltd.

Mould Glossary 101: Everything You Need to Know About Mould and Remediation

Mould Glossary Fungi and Remediation Terms To Know open book

If you’re dealing with a mould problem, understanding the lingo can feel overwhelming. At Rawk J Services, we know that dealing with mould is stressful enough without having to decipher complex terms along the way. 

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive glossary of mould and remediation terms—definitions for everything from common types of indoor mould to the processes and equipment we use to tackle mould safely and effectively. 

Our goal is to help you feel informed and confident, so whether you’re considering DIY mould removal or reaching out for professional help, you’ll know exactly what’s involved and why each step matters. 

Your Complete Mould Glossary: Mould and Remediation Terms Explained

Mould remediation involves a lot of specialized terms that can make the process seem more complicated than it is. In this glossary, we’ve broken down the most important terms related to mould, from common types you might find indoors to the methods used to remove it safely. 

Use this A through Z guide to better understand what’s involved in keeping your home safe and mould-free.

A

Aspergillus mold close up for mould glossary
Aspergillus
  • Abatement: This is the process we use to safely control, reduce, or get rid of hazardous substances like mould in your home or building. It’s how we make sure the air you breathe is safe again.
  • Air Quality Testing: This testing checks the air inside your home for mould spores and other possible contaminants. It helps us see if your indoor air quality could be affecting your health.
  • Air Sampling: We take samples from your air to measure mould spore levels and compare indoor and outdoor environments. This tells us how serious the mould issue is inside your home.
  • Allergen: Substances, like mould spores, that can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you’ve got itchy eyes or a runny nose indoors, mould could be the culprit.
  • Allergy (to Mould): Some people are more sensitive to mould and experience symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose when mould spores are in the air.
  • Alternaria: A common mould in damp spots like kitchens and bathrooms. If you have asthma or allergies, Alternaria might make symptoms worse.
  • Antifungal: These are products or treatments designed to stop mould from growing. They’re important in remediation because they prevent mould from coming back.
  • Antimicrobial: This term covers treatments that kill or stop the growth of mould and bacteria. We use antimicrobial products to sanitize areas after removing mould.
  • Aspergillus: A common mould that grows on materials like wood and wallpaper. Some types of Aspergillus produce toxins that can affect health if inhaled.
  • Asthma: A respiratory condition that mould exposure can aggravate, especially for people sensitive to mould spores.
  • Aureobasidium: A mould that often grows on painted walls, wood, and wallpaper. It can cause skin irritation if you touch it, so removing it safely is essential.

B

  • Biocide: A powerful cleaner we use to kill mould on surfaces, especially for tough cases where mould could grow back without treatment.
  • Black Mould (Stachybotrys): Known for its dark color and potential health risks, black mould grows in areas with constant moisture. It’s one to watch out for because of the health concerns associated with it.
  • Bleach Treatment: A method sometimes used to clean mould on hard surfaces. However, it doesn’t work well on porous materials, so we often recommend other solutions for deep-cleaning mould.
  • Blue-Green Mould: Often refers to Penicillium, a mould that can grow on walls, fabrics, and food. It’s known for its musty smell and can trigger allergies.
  • Borax: A natural cleaning agent that’s often used to control minor mould problems at home. It’s effective on certain types of mould and can prevent regrowth.

C

  • Chaetomium: Known for its strong, musty odour, this mould loves water-damaged drywall and can appear in shades of grey or green.
  • Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure to mould spores that can lead to ongoing respiratory issues or make allergies worse over time.
  • Cladosporium: A mould that can grow in cooler, damp areas like basements. It’s often harmless but can trigger allergies, especially in sensitive individuals.
  • Clearance Testing: After we complete remediation, clearance testing ensures the mould levels are safe again. It’s the final step to confirm a successful cleanup.
  • Containment: A barrier we put up to keep mould spores from spreading during removal. This keeps the rest of your home safe while we work.
  • Contamination: This occurs when mould spores spread into previously unaffected areas, often because of poor containment.
  • Cross-Contamination: When mould spreads to clean areas, often due to movement or improper containment during cleanup. This is why professional containment is so important.

D

mould glossary decontamination example
  • Decontamination: The process of cleaning and sanitizing an area after mould removal to ensure no lingering spores remain.
  • Dehumidifier: A device we recommend for reducing moisture in the air, which makes it harder for mould to grow. It’s especially useful in damp spaces like basements.
  • Disinfectant: A cleaner that kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces, making sure that any mould growth is safely removed.
  • Dry Ice Blasting: A professional mould removal method that uses dry ice to remove mould from surfaces. It’s powerful but generally used in larger commercial or industrial settings.

E

  • Encapsulation: A treatment we use to seal off mould-contaminated areas, preventing mould from becoming airborne and spreading further.
  • Endotoxins: Harmful particles released by bacteria that sometimes accompany mould in damp environments, which can worsen indoor air quality.
  • Environmental Consultant: A professional who assesses mould and other hazards in buildings and makes recommendations for safe remediation.

F

  • Fungi: A broad group that includes moulds, mildew, and mushrooms. Fungi thrive in moist, indoor areas, often leading to health issues if left unchecked.
  • Fungicide: A product specifically designed to kill mould and other fungi. It’s commonly used to treat areas where mould has been found.
  • Fungal Colony: A visible cluster of mould that grows on damp surfaces. These colonies can spread quickly if moisture remains.
  • Fusarium: A type of mould that grows in cooler areas on damp carpets and wallpaper. It can cause respiratory problems and is a common indoor allergen.

G

  • Green Mould: This term refers to mould species like Aspergillus and Penicillium that appear green and often grow on walls, food, and fabrics.
  • Grey Water: Water from sinks, showers, and tubs that can cause mould growth if it leaks into areas like walls or floors.

H

Mycelium hyphae growing
Hyphae
  • HEPA Filter: A filter that captures tiny particles, including mould spores, from the air. HEPA filters are used in vacuums and air scrubbers to clean the air during remediation.
  • Humidity Control: Keeping moisture levels low to prevent mould from taking hold. Dehumidifiers and ventilation are key parts of humidity control.
  • Hyphae: The thread-like parts of mould that allow it to spread on surfaces. These are part of what makes mould difficult to remove fully without professional help.

I

  • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The overall quality of the air inside your home, which can be affected by mould. Poor IAQ can lead to health issues, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities.
  • Inspection (Mould): A thorough check of your home to find where mould might be hiding and assess the level of contamination.

L

  • Latent Moisture: Hidden moisture left behind in materials, like walls and carpets, which can lead to delayed mould growth if not fully dried.

M

mucor close up for mould glossary
Mucor
  • Mildew: A surface-level mould that often appears powdery and grows on damp, non-porous surfaces like tiles and showers.
  • Moisture Control: Preventing mould by fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and keeping humidity low. Moisture control is key to keeping your home mould-free.
  • Moisture Meter: A tool that measures how much moisture is in materials like walls and carpets. It helps us identify damp spots that could attract mould.
  • Mould (Mold in U.S. English): A type of fungus that spreads by releasing tiny spores. Mould grows easily in damp areas, and while it’s often harmless, some types can affect health.
  • Mould Abatement: Our process of removing mould from your home to make sure it doesn’t cause further problems. This can involve cleaning, containment, and preventing future growth.
  • Mould Assessment: A professional evaluation to determine how much mould is present and the best way to remove it safely.
  • Mould Colony: A visible cluster of mould that has grown on a surface. Colonies appear as patches in various colours and grow fast when conditions are right.
  • Mould Remediation: The full process of identifying, containing, removing, and preventing mould. This is what we do to keep your home safe and healthy.
  • Mould Spores: Tiny, invisible particles released by mould that float in the air and can start new colonies if they land in damp spots.
  • Mucor: A fast-growing mould often found in HVAC systems or around leaks. Mucor has a cottony texture and can lead to respiratory issues if it’s inhaled over time.
  • Mycology: The study of fungi, including moulds. Mycologists are the scientists who help us understand how different types of mould grow and affect our health.
  • Mycosis: An infection caused by fungi, which can include certain types of mould. Prolonged exposure to mould can increase the risk of mycosis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
  • Mycotoxins: Toxins produced by some moulds, like black mould. Mycotoxins can be harmful if inhaled or ingested and are one reason mould contamination needs to be taken seriously.

O

  • Odour Control: Techniques we use to get rid of that musty smell mould often leaves behind. We may use air purifiers, deodorizers, or even ozone treatments to neutralize odours after remediation.

P

  • Pathogenic: Refers to moulds that can cause disease. Certain moulds are more likely to be pathogenic, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
  • Penicillium: A blue-green mould that often grows on walls, wallpaper, and fabrics in damp areas. Known for its distinct smell, Penicillium can also trigger allergies in some people.
  • Pink Mould: This term usually refers to Aureobasidium or Serratia marcescens, which has a pinkish color and often appears in bathrooms, especially on shower curtains and tile.
  • Polyethylene Sheeting: Heavy-duty plastic sheeting we use to isolate areas during remediation. It keeps mould spores from spreading to other parts of the home.
  • Porous Materials: Materials like drywall, wood, and carpet that absorb moisture easily, making them ideal breeding grounds for mould. In many cases, heavily contaminated porous materials need to be removed.
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Safety gear that our remediation experts wear, like gloves, masks, and suits, to protect against mould spores and other contaminants.

R

  • Relative Humidity (RH): This measures the amount of moisture in the air. Mould thrives in spaces where the RH is above 60%, so keeping humidity low is key in mould prevention.
  • Remediation Plan: A tailored plan we create to safely remove mould from your property. It outlines the necessary steps for cleaning, containment, and prevention.
  • Restoration: The process of returning a building to its original state after mould remediation. This can include repairing or replacing damaged walls, floors, and other materials.

S

  • Sampling (Mould): We collect samples from the air or surfaces to see how much mould is present and identify its type. Common methods include air sampling, tape lift sampling, and swab sampling.
  • Secondary Mould Growth: New mould that grows after an initial remediation due to leftover moisture or missed spots. Proper drying and follow-up checks help prevent secondary growth.
  • Settling Plates: Flat dishes used to collect mould spores that settle from the air, which helps us gauge mould levels in an area.
  • Spore: Tiny, invisible particles that mould releases into the air. Spores travel through the air and can start new colonies if they land in damp spots.
  • Spore Count: The number of mould spores in an air sample. Higher counts mean a more severe problem, indicating the need for remediation.
  • Stachybotrys (Black Mould): Often called “black mould,” Stachybotrys is known for its dark color and potential health risks. It grows in very damp areas, especially on materials like wallpaper and drywall.

T

  • Testing for Mould: We conduct tests to see if mould is present in your home, determine its type, and find out how much there is. This can involve air, surface, or bulk sampling.
  • Thermal Imaging Camera: A tool that detects temperature differences in surfaces, which helps us locate hidden moisture where mould might be growing.
  • Toxicity: The potential of certain moulds to release harmful toxins. Toxic moulds can cause health issues if they release mycotoxins into the air.
  • Toxic Mould: Mould that produces mycotoxins, which can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Black mould is a well-known type of toxic mould.

U

  • Ultrasonic Cleaning: A specialized cleaning method that uses sound waves to remove mould particles from surfaces, often used for delicate items during remediation.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Light Treatment: A technique that uses UV light to kill mould spores in the air and on surfaces. It’s commonly used alongside other remediation methods to ensure thorough disinfection.
  • Ulocladium: A type of mould found in areas with high humidity or water damage, like bathrooms and kitchens. Ulocladium often grows on walls, floors, and wood.
  • Unconditioned Space: Areas in a building without climate control, like attics or crawl spaces, which are more prone to moisture buildup and mould growth.

V

  • Ventilation: The process of circulating fresh air through a space. Proper ventilation helps reduce humidity and prevent mould from growing.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that can be released from building materials and cleaning products. In areas with mould, VOCs can mix with airborne mould spores, worsening indoor air quality.

W

  • Water Intrusion: Any unwanted water that enters a building due to leaks, floods, or condensation. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to mould growth.
  • Wet Vacuum: A vacuum designed to pick up water and damp debris. It’s often used in the early stages of water damage cleanup to prevent mould from forming.
  • White Mould: Mould species that appear white, like Cladosporium and Penicillium. White moulds often grow on wood, walls, and fabrics in damp areas.

Y

  • Yeast: A type of fungus that’s generally harmless but is related to mould. Yeast is usually found on food and isn’t associated with the same health risks as other indoor moulds.
  • Yellow Mould: Mould that appears yellow, often associated with Aspergillus or Cladosporium species. It can grow on materials like wallpaper and insulation, especially in damp areas.

Your Go-To Glossary of Terms for Mould Safety and Solutions

Navigating mould issues in your home is no small task, and knowing the terms and processes involved can go a long way in making informed decisions. We hope this glossary sheds light on the key concepts, types of mould, and methods for keeping your space safe. Here at Rawk J Services, we’re more than just remediation experts; we’re your neighbors, dedicated to making Red Deer homes healthier and mould-free. If you’re facing a mould problem that seems too big to handle or you just need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll find the best solution to restore safety and peace to your home.