EWJ FEB 59 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 40
Promoting the transformation of dihydrate gypsum
to α-hemihydrate gypsum, Sodium ions can help dihydrate gypsum transform into α-hemihydrate gypsum. However, sodium impurities can also get into the
α-hemihydrate gypsum crystals, which can cause
efflorescence on the masonry.
Jillian’s v Red Kite Community Housing. County Court at
Oxford. 24 September 2024. The Court accepted that,
Bole v Hunts build Ltd (2009) EWCA Civ 1146 and Rendlesham Estates v Barr (2014) EWHC 3968 (TCC), which
are both section 1 Defective Premises Act 1972 cases,
were of assistance in assessing fitness for human habitation under section 9a Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Gypsum Plaster and Sodium Solutions Reaction
Disodium pentacalcium sulphate is a compound
formed when gypsum reacts with sodium chloride solutions. It can be created by heating gypsum with 6.412
NaCl solutions at 65 °C for less than a day, or with 5.5
M NaCl solutions for up to 11 days. Which is better
known as Edetate Calcium Disodium EDTA.
It was accepted by submission that the Defective
Premises Act 1972 authorities are of relevance to
claims made pursuant to Landlord and Tenant Act
1985. The requirements under section 1 The Defective Premises Act 1972 (“fit for habitation”) and Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (“fit for human habitation”)
are not identical but given the Court of Appeal’s definition set out above, which is tied to the health, safety,
inconvenience or discomfort to the occupants, it appears to be a distinction without a material difference.
Similarly, the guidance of the Court of Appeal in
Rendlesham relating to section 1 The Defective
Premises Act 1972, that dwellings which are not fit for
habitation are those ‘capable of occupation without
risk to the health and safety of, and without undue inconvenience or discomfort to the occupants. seems
also to fall within the test in section 10 Landlord and
Tenant Act 1985 as neither case could it be said that
such dwellings are “reasonably suitable for occupation
in that condition”, and section 10 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, includes within it long-established concept of “hazards” under the Housing Act 2004, being
any risk of harm to the health or safety of an actual occupier, of a dwelling, and ‘prescribed hazards’ under
section 2 of the Housing Act 2004.
Gypsum (CaSO4) acts as a soil amendment and
provides nutrients for plants. By leaching sodium, gypsum produces essential nutrients for black pin mould
growth.
Given Gypsum (CaSO4) through the leaching of
sodium provides plant nutrients, as it leaches sodium,
aiding black pin mould growth, which is why this
mould is spreading in homes worldwide.
Black Pin Mould Colonisation of Dwellings.
Tachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mould that
grows on materials high in calcium or cellulose
Materials such as:
• Gypsum plasterboard,
• Fibreboard, and
• Paper-based surfaces
While moisture from sources like water ingress, condensation, or sporadic flooding is conducive to its
colonisation, constant moisture exposure is not a prerequisite. The fungus is capable of establishing itself
on slightly damp materials where nutrient availabilityspecifically calcium and magnesium-remains high.
Black Pin Mould Characteristics.
In nature, there are many species of fungi known to
produce various mycotoxins, allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as the commonly
known etiological agents of various types of mycoses.
So far, none of them have provoked so much emotion
among homeowners, builders, conservators, mycologists and clinicians, as Stachybotrys chartarum.
Mycotoxins and Associated Health Hazards
Within the genus Stachybotrys, S. chartarum has
garnered attention as one of the most hazardous fungi
due to its production of potent secondary metabolites.
When released into the indoor environment, these
compounds can interact adversely with mucosal membranes and skin, potentially inducing:
This species compared to fungi of the genera
Fusarium and Aspergillus is not as frequently described to be a micromycete that is toxigenic and hazardous to human and animal health, but interest in it
has been growing consistently for three decades. Depending on the authors of any given review article, attention is focused either on the clinical aspects
alongside the role of this fungus in deterioration of
biomaterials, or aspects related to its biology, ecology
and taxonomic position.
Severe pulmonary complications:
Historical data, including a notable outbreak in
Cleveland, Ohio (1993–1998), demonstrated associations with pulmonary haemorrhage, with 138 infants
affected and 12 fatalities.
Dermatological and respiratory irritation:
Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
allergens can exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
It is well established that inhalation of conidia,
containing the highest concentrations of toxic metabolites, may cause serious damage to the mammalian
lung, particularly with repeated exposure.
The Test for Fitness For Human Habitation.
I draw your attention to Summers V Salford Corporation
1946 legal presidents set in with regards to black pin
mould in properties, where it was agreed by the high
court (UK) that ANY black pin mould within a property is considered prejudicial to health. This would
mean, the property is not only unfit for human habitation under The Fitness for Human Habitation Act
2018 but also prejudicial to health under Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 79 (1)a
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
Sodium reduction in Gypsum plaster and its impact
on black pin mould colonisation.
Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Silicate, Barium
Sulphate iron sulphate, are all ingredients of paint,
calcium sulphate is the main ingredient of gypsum,
therefore, what we have is a building that is high in
calcium deposits.
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