Students collected data to investigate the cause of the mold epidemic in the subsidized housing of the northern Canadian community of Waswanipi, located in Quebec. Of the 175 total subsidized residential homes, 60 homes (34%) had moderate to severe mold contamination. These 60 homes became the focus of the research study and included a review of inspection reports and interviews with the Waswanipi housing authority to gather relevant information. Based on the collected data, the research team developed an interactive educational tool to provide a high level overview of key information associated with suspected mold.
The data showed that many factors contributed to the development of mold; housing age; house design; overcrowded shelters; type of heating system used; failure/disrepair of the mechanical equipment; local freeze thaw cycle; local water table variability; and, occupants (non-)reporting of deficiencies. The analysis also indicates that foundation structural issues resulting from hydro-geological forces (caused by soil compositions) may also be a contributing factor. As a method to implement a preventative solution, a diagnostic tool was developed for the Waswanipi housing authority to diagnose the main source of the mold in homes.
The information literature provided within this tool can also assist the homeowner in better understanding the likely causes mold growth within the home. The tool also features common indicators associated with the presence of mold, with descriptions of what mold is and the potential risks associated with mold growth within a dwelling.
