Mould problem Crews work to head off health threat

[Guest guest]

Mould problem Crews work to head off health threat

By ROSS ROMANIUK, CITY HALL REPORTER

Sat, February 4, 2006

Winnipeg Sun - Canada

http://winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2006/02/04/1425331-sun.html

Crews in protective gear are pulling mould from a major St.

hockey complex in hopes of heading off a potential health threat.

The work at Canlan Ice Sports Winnipeg on Ellice Avenue (formerly

the Highlander) started days ago after mould was discovered

following a mechanical breakdown that caused moisture to form around

insulation used for a sprinkler system.

'SHOULD BE ADDRESSED'

Management at the four-rink facility consulted experts on possible

dangers, then decided to remove the mould and some insulation as a

precaution.

" They told us that it wasn't hazardous but that it should be

addressed because it could end up becoming a hazardous problem, "

St-Aubin, Canlan's Toronto-based senior vice-president, told

the Sun yesterday.

" So we took the measure as necessary to remove it. "

The decades-old complex has remained open during the work, which

Manitoba Conservation says has been handled properly.

Pulling out mould is " generally a good thing to do " because of

breathing difficulties or skin rashes that can affect some people

exposed to its spores, says the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The type or colour of mould at Ice Sports hasn't been revealed,

though public health officer Dr. Margaret Fast said the black kind

has been widely viewed as hazardous.

" Several years ago there was a concern that newborn infants exposed

to black mould may develop a severe kind of pneumonia, " Fast said.

" There's debate in literature and in the scientific community about

that. "

The crews' use of protective clothing isn't a sign of public danger,

Fast added. That's because mould generally becomes hazardous when

it's broken up for removal and its spores are airborne and more

easily inhaled.

" It sounds as if they know what they're doing, " she said.

The work is being done by a " reputable contractor " who is following

regulations, said provincial health inspection supervisor Mike

LeBlanc.

" We gave them the go-ahead, " LeBlanc said. " We're happy with the

progress they're making. "

Some people are more sensitive than others to mould spores " and the

more they're exposed the more severe their symptoms may become, "

Fast explained.

" There's an infinite variety of moulds. It's very fascinating -- if

you're into mould. "

Previous story: 'A sad day in our culture'

Next story: Virtual stock raises some real bucks