MOULD GUARD

LABM looks at a selection of products that can help eradicate unsightly and potentially hazardous mould and mildew,
 

Tenants complain about mould more than any other single housing issue, and rightly so.

Along with being unsightly, unpleasant and odorous, it presents a substantial health issue. Mould spores are closely linked to bronchitis, tonsillitis and even pneumonia. The Lung & Asthma Information Agency based in London concludes that mould spores have a, "presumed causal relationship" with the initiation of allergic alveolitis and show, "consistent evidence of association" with the initiation of Asthma and Rhinitis.

Mould spores are present just about everywhere, but the spread is particularly prevalent in situations where there is educed direct sunlight and when occupants do not ventilate their homes correctly in an effort to keep heat in. The resultant warm, moist atmosphere is perfect for the growth of mould and mildew. But to survive, mould also requires a food source. Unfortunately, paint, wallpaper and pastes are ideal.

Winter, therefore, is a time-bomb for mould in many social housing properties. Poorly ventilated, overly warm homes decorated with paint and wallpaper create the ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew.

One course of action to help eradicate the problem is to remove the food source on which mould and mildew depend. Standard redecoration will solve the problem, but only in the immediate term. It is also labour intensive and maintenance budgets will not extend to an ongoing programme every couple of years. A better option is to use specifically formulated products that inhibit the growth of mould and mildew for an elongated period. Here, LABM takes a look at a selection of products available for specification.

Flag Paints Picture

If left untreated, mould can cause extensive damage to walls and ceiling areas. Active mould spores can also attack clothes, furnishings and carpets, and be a hazard to health.

Flag Paints offer a solution called Asipo. All Asipo branded products contain powerful biocides that stop mould and provide protection against future reoccurrence, making them ideal for any household or commercial application. The range comes in a variety of finishes for internal and external applications. Asipo products can even be over-coated using standard paints and wallpapers. They can be used individually, or as part of a complete system offering total protection.

Highlights of the internal product range include: Asipo Internal Matt or Silk, a water based decorative emulsion for combating internal mould growth problems which can be used as a stand alone product, or as part of the Mould Eradication System; Asipo Algicidal Treatment, for the cleaning of the Ventilation, Damp, Mould & Condensation surface and killing all visible signs of mould on almost any surface and Asipo Barrier, which forms a barrier within plaster type surfaces to prevent mould spores from reappearing.

All Asipo products are fully approved under COPR with HSE approval. Flag Paints have been making specialist paints in England for over 65 years.

34 LABM JANUARY 2005