Dustless Demolition a certified mold remediation and demolition company based in Kelowna, British Columbia, announces the findings of a climate-driven surge in mold exposure throughout homes and properties in the Okanagan Valley. The report draws on climate data from Environment and Climate Change Canada, local observations, and external studies to highlight a growing public health concern linked directly to severe weather patterns and rapidly changing indoor environments.
Recent data indicate British Columbia experienced one of its warmest summers on record in 2025, with heat waves estimated to be two to ten times more likely as a result of human-caused climate change, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Okanagan Valley is undergoing average annual temperature increases projected to range from 2.1°C to 4.4°C by the year 2050, alongside an increase in days exceeding 30°C and more frequent, severe rainfall events. These factors combine to accelerate the moisture cycling within homes, impacting both older residences and newer constructions.
The significance of these climate trends lies in their connection to recurring mold problems. Mold spores thrive in damp, warm conditions, and can begin colonizing building materials such as drywall, wood, and insulation within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control indicates that climate-related humidity and precipitation changes are linked to “poor indoor air quality due to mould growth,” with a notable increase in respiratory illnesses among children, seniors, and immunocompromised populations. Regionally, the Okanagan has also faced multiple Level 4 droughts in recent years, followed by abrupt shifts to heavy rainfall, causing rapid moisture penetration and repeated cycles of drying and wetting. This fluctuation resulted in more frequent mold outbreaks and higher property insurance claims.
Dustless Demolition applies remediation processes that conform to IICRC certification standards and meet EPA, OSHA, and WorkSafe BC guidelines, ensuring both safe mold removal and compliance with environmental regulations. The company’s technicians report seeing an increase in requests stemming from climate-driven causes, including moisture buildup behind walls and in crawlspaces, attic insulation dampness, and HVAC condensation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of homes impacted by water damage face persistent mold contamination.
The observations presented by Dustless Demolition are supported by broad public health research. Studies cited from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrate that mold exposure may trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, sinus congestion, coughing, and in severe cases, fungal lung infections. Long-term exposure in children has been associated with increased asthma risk and, more rarely, neurological symptoms. While mold can produce mycotoxins, the majority of residential exposures do not reach toxicity levels. Nonetheless, the health risks are elevated when vulnerable groups inhabit damp or improperly ventilated homes.
Research further demonstrates that no home is exempt from mold risk. Residences constructed prior to 1978 throughout Canada’s interior show higher rates of mold exposure due to aging infrastructure, leaky pipes, outdated insulation, and poor ventilation. The American Healthy Homes Survey found that these older homes had significantly higher mold index values than those built more recently. However, newer homes are not immune. Airtight energy-efficient designs can trap humidity indoors, and modern materials rich in cellulose, such as drywall, present ideal conditions for mold proliferation when exposed to leaks or condensation. National studies, including those cited by SunTrust Restoration, indicate that up to 30 percent of new and renovated homes report mold growth in their first year, often because of insufficient ventilation during construction and subsequent moisture retention.
Kelowna-based mold and asbestos remediation experts have observed that property owners and managers should not assume mold only affects aging buildings. Climate volatility now impacts new construction and renovations as frequently as legacy homes, with moisture intrusion and rapid weather changes being key contributors. The company finds that early intervention, including professional moisture detection and proactive remediation, remains crucial in limiting health and property damage caused by mold exposure.
In compliance with the latest scientific recommendations, Dustless Demolition encourages property owners to monitor humidity levels, ensure proper home ventilation, promptly dry any water damage, and consult professionals when mold is suspected in hidden areas or severe contamination occurs. The company will continue reporting on climate-related property hazards and encourages residents to follow evolving public health guidance and environmental best practices.
Note: The information provided herein is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals experiencing health symptoms or concerns related to mold exposure should consult a qualified healthcare provider. For further health resources, refer to official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
Additional information regarding climate-linked mold risks and Dustless Demolition’s certified remediation services can be found on the company’s website.
###
For more information about Dustless Demolition Ltd, contact the company here:
Dustless Demolition Ltd
Bohm
250-215-8070
dustlessdemo@outlook.com
1457 Ponderosa Rd, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1M9