Getting mould and mycotoxins out of your body only works if you’re not being re-exposed every day. That’s why testing your environment properly is so important. I’m not talking about a $100 DIY mould kit from the hardware store — I mean a proper inspection by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Here in New Zealand, we’ve got unique building challenges — damp homes, poor ventilation, and a lot of water-damaged housing that often goes unnoticed. I often refer people to Marcel Scrivener from The Mould Project. Marcel’s been through mould illness himself, so he gets how frustrating and confusing this journey can be. He’s also damn good at figuring out where mould is hiding and what needs to be done.

You focus on getting better. I’ll guide your medical care, and Marcel can help make sure your home isn’t working against us.

It’s not just about spotting visible mould. Marcel understands moisture, airflow, building structure, and how mould spreads through dust and air. His team uses proper tools like ERMI and HERTSMI dust testing, moisture mapping, and other assessments that go way beyond the basics. His reports help us figure out whether your home is making you sick — and if it is, what to do about it.

You need a qualified mould assessor — someone who understands building science, moisture pathways, air flow, and knows exactly where to look and how to sample. This often includes:

• Visual inspection of risk areas

• Air and dust sampling (e.g., ERMI, HERTSMI)

• Moisture and humidity checks

• Thermography or borescope use if needed

We work with trusted professionals who follow international standards and provide clear reports that help us understand exactly what you’re dealing with — and whether your environment is truly safe.

Bleach doesn’t fix a mould problem. Painting over it doesn’t fix it either.

True remediation means:

• Identifying the source of moisture

• Stopping water ingress or humidity issues at the root

• Removing contaminated building materials safely

• Using containment, HEPA filtration, and proper PPE

• Ensuring the space is verified clean—not just visibly, but microscopically

Anything less risks leaving harmful mycotoxins, mould fragments, and spores behind.

The best remediation companies work according to globally recognised standards such as:

• IICRC S520 (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

• NORMI (National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors)

• ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification)

• EPA guidelines for mould and moisture management

They follow principles that include:

• Independent third-party testing (before and after)

• Use of negative air pressure and containment barriers during work

• Full PPE and certified technicians

• Detailed scope-of-work plans

• No use of biocides or “fogging” in place of source removal

If your remediation provider isn’t ticking these boxes, you may end up with incomplete or cosmetic results—and that can be dangerous to your health.

Mould remediation in New Zealand is still the Wild West—unregulated, inconsistent, and often profit-driven. Many providers offer basic cleaning or testing without understanding the complexity of mould illness.

I collaborate only with remediators who:

• Understand the health risks

• Provide comprehensive, root-cause-focused assessments

• Use building science, not gimmicks

• Offer follow-up verification with ERMI, HERTSMI-2, or PCR dust testing

If you’re not sure who to trust, Marcel Scrivener can help you review quotes, scopes of work, or lab reports from testing companies.