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Representatives from the insurance, social housing and heritage sectors were among the audience at a seminar focused on the contentious issue of toxic mould, organised by UK trade body The Property Care Association (PCA).
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At the event, held at Huntingdon Racecourse in Cambridgeshire, forensic industrial hygienist Caoimhín Connell challenged claims - which are becoming increasingly widespread in the UK - over the perceived dangers posed by toxic mould.
Caoimhín, who has an extensive background in science including analytical and environmental chemistry and microbiological applications, travelled from Colorado in the US to deliver his presentation.
Entitled 'Recognition, Evaluation, Anticipation and Control of Indoor Moulds: Communicating the Facts' Caoimhín's talk included a biological introduction to moulds, as well as an insight into toxicology.
Stephen Hodgson, general manager of the PCA, said: "It was fantastic that we had more than 100 members and guests attending the seminar.
"The PCA can provide a vehicle like no other for this type of information because we engage with people and businesses right at the grass roots of property care.
"There are polarised opinions on the health effects of mould in buildings and Caoimhin's talk brought an interesting perspective to the debate.
"It's an issue that is becoming much more contentious. Increasingly homeowners and tenants are putting on pressure to address the problem, and are turning to social housing and local authority providers, as well as insurers, to address the clean-up work.
"The lecture proved to us it is the damp problem which causes the mould, and that must be addressed rather than the mould, which is simply a symptom of the damp conditions."
Caoimhín has an extensive background in the investigation, assessment and elimination of mould and his company - Forensic Applications Consulting Technologies (FACT) - is internationally recognised as an authority in indoor mould with more than 20 years of applying scientific practices and protocols to this growing issue.
Much of his work is dedicated to using science to disprove claims of toxic mould, thereby preventing their clients from undertaking unnecessary remediation projects and saving them hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result.
Notes To Editors
Noted for its training and technical expertise, The Property Care Association (PCA) represents the UK's damp control, timber infestation, flood recovery, basement waterproofing, structural repair and condensation specialists.
It incorporates the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), which has been in formation for more than 75 years.
The PCA is a member of TrustMark the scheme supported by the Government, to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.
Its contractor members are all carefully vetted before being awarded membership - and are then subject to rigorous auditing procedures once admitted to the Association.
As well as delivering a trusted repair procedure, PCA members are able to carry out specialist surveys as part of the house-buying procedure to identify potential problems - as well as a range of other services designed to preserve and protect homes and buildings across the UK.
Press release issued by Jane Shepherd of Shepherd PR Limited, on behalf of the Property Care Association, telephone 01538 308685, mobile 07985 129315.
Contact Information
Jane Shepherd
Shepherd PR
Upper Town Office
Staffordshire
ST10 3JX
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