Are there regulations or guidelines that apply to control of mould in buildings?
Municipal public health departments have the authority to issue orders to owners of public buildings and rental housing regarding potentially hazardous mould growth. Some municipalities have already acted on this issue by ordering the building owner to inspect for and abate any hazardous mould. The public health department may order that the affected areas remain unoccupied until the remediation is complete. Health Canada issued guidance in 1995 and 2004 for the assessment and control of mould growth. The Ontario Ministry of Health has issued guidelines for the management of mould in school portable classrooms. The Ontario Ministry of Labour has issued guidelines and a Hazard Alert on mould in buildings. To quote the Ministry 2000 Hazard Alert, “The sustained and/or extensive growth of any visible mould on the interior surfaces of a building is unacceptable. Mould growth on the interior surfaces of buildings is a risk factor for health problems.” Employers and constructors are responsi
