Mold Contamination of Residential Buildings

Standard BNQ 3009-600
Mold Contamination of Residential Buildings – Contamination Assessment and Building Rehabilitation

Mold spores are present everywhere, both outdoors and inside buildings. They grow when appropriate conditions are met: the presence of organic matter and water, and an adequate temperature. Mold proliferates when humidity levels are high. In a building environment they can damage materials, lower indoor air quality, and adversely affect human health depending on the extent of their growth, the duration of exposure, and the exposed individual’s health status. 

The new BNQ 3009-600 standard provides a framework for the proper inspection, diagnosis, and decontamination of mold growth in residential buildings. This content of this standard is the product of the deliberation and consensus reached by a balanced standardization committee representing stakeholders.

Regulatory authorities who wish to better supervise activities related to the investigation and rehabilitation of homes contaminated by molds can either refer directly to the BNQ 3009-600 standard or to the training recognition program in their regulations.

In order to guide people in their approach towards problems pertaining to mold, the BNQ has prepared a list of resources under the “Guidance related to mold” tab. Please note, however, that the BNQ is a standards development organization and does not provide services, advice or expertise in the field of mold, buildings or health.