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Kinds of Mould
Calgary’s ASTRA Restorations knows all too well the hazards toxic mould can pose to health. Treating mould yourself can jeopardize health and property. Knowing how to recognize mould and its effects, however, is essential to your health and property.
While black mould is the most commonly known toxic mould, there are other moulds that also pose serious risks to your health and property. The most common indoor moulds are Stachybotrys chartarum, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Trichoderma.
- Stachybotrys chartarum is a black mould prevalent in water-damaged buildings and flourishes on damp drywall and wallpaper surfaces.
- Cladosporium is a fungus that grows indoors and outdoors, can vary in colour from olive to brown to black, and grows on moist organic and inorganic surfaces.
- Penicillium is a mould used to produce antibiotics. It can grow in relatively low-humidity environments if the surface is damp. Some Penicillium species can produce mycotoxins dangerous to human and animal health, especially causing respiratory problems, particularly in infants.
- Aspergillus is a spore-forming mould that commonly contaminates root vegetables but is often found on nutrient-deficient surfaces like damp walls. It is a common component of mildew. Some species cause serious pathogenic disease in humans.
- Alternaria species are ubiquitous in the natural world and commonly cause allergenic and hypersensitivity responses in humans. They also cause opportunistic infections in those who are immunocompromised. While this mould is a normal part of decay and decomposition in the natural world, in the home, these spores grow thick grey, black, or green colonies, producing a variety of toxic compounds.
- Trichoderma is a mould found in the home and produces small toxic peptides readily absorbed into human cells. These peptides interfere with ion channels and cell function. They are resistant to antimicrobials, which means that primary prevention for this mould is the only effective option for limiting its effects.
If you suspect mould in your Calgary home or workplace, call ASTRA Restorations. We have the experience, certification, and experience to safely remediate your home or workplace environment and make you safe once again.
*ASTRA Restorations provides mould remediation free of cost with every water-damage restoration service. Calgary’s ASTRA Restorations has the expertise and the tools to save you health, time, money, and future hassle.
For our Calgary-based 24-hour emergency-response service, call (403) 796-3559.
909 Asbestos Abatement
909 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
| Area: | 10 Floors |
| Duration: | 3 Weeks |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Complete: | 2022 |
Wyndham Crossing Abatement
4807 137 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
| Area: | 30 Units + Common |
| Duration: | 3 Months |
| Level: | High |
| Complete: | 2022 |
Ground-Pipe Abatement
8th Avenue & 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB
| Area: | 120 ft. |
| Duration: | 1 week |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Year of Completion: | 2018 |
| Client: | 
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Floor Mastic Abatement
550 6th AVE SW, Calgary, AB
| Area: | 21,000 Sq. Ft |
| Duration: | 2 weeks |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Year of Completion: | 2017 |
| Risk Level: | Low-Mid |
| Client: |  |
Storm Drain Abatement
1015 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB
| Area: | Parkade |
| Duration: | 1 week |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Year of Completion: | 2016 |
| Risk Level: | Moderate |
| Client: | 
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Ramsay Stucco Abatement
1051 8th Street SE, Calgary, AB
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| Area: | 28 Townhouses |
| Duration: | 4 weeks |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Year of Completion: | 2018 |
| Number of Bags: | 1550 |
| Client: |  |
EMCO Restoration
5460 76 AVE SE, Calgary, AB
| Area: | 650,000 sq. ft. |
| Flood category: | 2 |
| Flood class: | 3 |
| Response Time: | 45 min. |
| Year of Completion: | 2017 |
| Client: |  |
Fortress Restoration
13226 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, AB
| Area: | 10,500 sq. ft. |
| Category: | 2 |
| Class: | 3 |
| Response Time: | 55 min. |
| Year of Completion : | 2017 |
| Client: |  |
Project Description:
This project was performed with moderate-risk protocols (AAAM Section 5.3, with modifications by a registered occupational hygienist tailored to site conditions and to keep risk of asbestos exposures as low as possible). Excavators removed soil around a 120-foot long transite pipe. Once the pipe was fully exposed, ASTRA marked break areas for easier transportation to the City of Calgary’s asbestos-waste-disposal site.
ASTRA conducted a cleanup of the pipe’s outer surface and applied sealant glue to prevent fibres from being released into the air during cutting. The pipe was broken at set locations to minimize dust. Barriers kept unprotected workers away from the cutting zone. ASTRA Restorations’ registered occupational hygienist monitored the project and generated a final clearance report within one week of project completion.
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8th Avenue & 8th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
| Area: | 120 ft. |
| Duration: | 1 week |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Year of Completion: | 2018 |
Client:
550 6th AVE SW, Calgary, Alberta
| Area: | 21,000 Sq. Ft |
| Duration : | 2 weeks |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Year of Completion: | 2017 |
| Risk Level : | Low-Mid |
Project Description:
ASTRA Restorations completed asbestos-abatement services of floor mastic for Govan Brown. This work included the abatement of two floors of office space. Low-to-moderate-risk procedures and complete containment were necessary to complete the scope of work. ASTRA’s certified hygienist generated air-monitoring and clearance reports to ensure proper abatement procedures. Work was completed afterhours to minimize public risk.
Client:
1015 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
| Area: | Parkade |
| Duration: | 1 week |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Year of Completion: | 2016 |
| Risk Level: | Moderate |
Project Description:
ASTRA Restorations completed asbestos-abatement services of a parkade storm-drain pipe for Manulife. Moderate risk procedures and complete containment were necessary to complete the scope of work. ASTRA’s certified hygienist generated air-monitoring and clearance reports to ensure proper abatement procedures. Work was completed afterhours on the weekend to minimize public risk.
Client:
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1051 8th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta
| Area: | 28 Townhouses |
| Duration: | 4 weeks |
| Delivery Model: | Fixed price |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Year of Completion: | 2018 |
| Number of Bags: | 1550 |
Project Description:
ASTRA Restoration completed abatement of asbestos-containing exterior stucco of 28 townhouses owned by the Calgary Housing Corporation. We removed the stucco with moderate-risk protocols (AAAM 5.3). ASTRA created partial containments of less than 100 square feet in size, which we fitted with HEPA-filtered-negative-air units. Removal activity was performed mostly by hand tools. Collected abatement material was double bagged and disposed of as asbestos waste. Workers wore half-face respirators with P100 filters and disposable coveralls.
Abatement work was conducted by certified asbestos workers. Work was supervised by a certified hygienist. ASTRA’s certified hygienist daily monitored the removal worker’s personal air and collected air samples from outside the containment structure to check for environmental contamination. He also provided clearance reports to ensure proper abatement procedures.
Client:
5460 76 AVE SE, Calgary, Alberta
| Area: | 650,000 sq. ft. |
| Flood category: | 2 |
| Flood class: | 3 |
| Response Time: | 45 min. |
| Year of Completion: | 2017 |
Project Description:
ASTRA Restorations performed emergency water-extraction and restoration services at the EMCO distribution centre. ASTRA dispatched four crews, who arrived on site within 45 minutes of the initial request. ASTRA performed extraction and drying services at the property. Total water mitigation included 65,500 square feet, covering most of the warehouse, showroom, and offices.
Key Deliverables:
- All water was extracted within 48 hours (water coverage was 2 inches across 65,000 square feet).
- ASTRA minimized business interruption.
- ASTRA minimized drywall removal.
Client:
13226 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta
| Area: | 10,500 sq. ft. |
| Category: | 2 |
| Class: | 3 |
| Response Time: | 55 min. |
| Year of Completion: | 2017 |
Project Description:
ASTRA Restorations performed emergency water-extraction and restoration services. ASTRA dispatched two crews who arrived on site within 55 minutes of the initial request. ASTRA performed extraction and drying services at the property. Water mitigation included 10,500 square feet, covering walls, carpets, and ceiling tile.
Key Deliverables:
- All Carpet tile was saved and restored, even after heavy staining.
- Bathroom wall tiles were preserved through careful dismantling.
- ASTRA minimized drywall removal.
Client:
909 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
| Area: | 10 Floors |
| Duration: | 3 Weeks |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Complete: | 2022 |
Project Description:
Astra completed abatement of asbestos-containing material across the entire span of a 10 floor office tower in downtown Calgary.
All work was supervised by a certified hygienist. We monitored the removal worker’s personal air and collected air samples from outside the containment structure to check for environmental contamination on a daily basis. We provided clearance reports to ensure proper abatement procedures.
4807 137 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
| Area: | 30 Units + Common |
| Duration: | 3 Months |
| Level: | High |
| Complete: | 2022 |
Project Description:
Astra completed abatement of asbestos-containing material across 30 units and all common areas on the main floor the Wyndham Crossing Apartment building.
The bottom 4 feet of the entire floor was damaged in a flood and required abatement. All work was supervised by a certified hygienist. We monitored the removal worker’s personal air and collected air samples from outside the containment structure to check for environmental contamination on a daily basis. We provided clearance reports to ensure proper abatement procedures.
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