Field practitioners’ perspectives of challenges and practices that hinder effective mould assessment and remediation in Australian residential buildings

• Hard-to-see mould, hidden mould or moisture was a common problem in dwellings. • Poor quality mould assessment, repairs and mould remediation practices occur. • A lack of scientific education regarding moisture and mould occurs in industry. • Government regulations and standards are needed to improve mould industry practices. • Centralised information for homeowners and the broader community is needed. Like many other countries, the changing climate means that Australia is experiencing changes in rainfall-related weather events, such as increased intensity or prolonged widespread deluges, that are impacting both old and new housing typologies in large geographical expanses in regional and densely populated locations. Water damaged homes provide conditions for mould proliferation, which may impact occupant health. Little is known about how mould in water damaged housing is assessed and remediated by industry professionals. This lack of knowledge inhibits the development and implementation of appropriate protective legislative mechanisms and public health messaging. This study aimed to collate and analyse the current challenges, approaches and practices in mould assessment and remediation, as experienced in the field by mould testing professionals. A combination of purpose, criteria and snowball sampling techniques was used to recruit mould testing professionals who have experience with residential buildings in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were recorded with each participant, and inductive thematic analysis was conducted on all interview transcriptions. Three main themes emerged: hidden moisture, hidden mould and microscopic contamination; an unregulated mould industry; and unrepaired and unremediated buildings. The study points to a need for regulation, standards and training for all professionals in conjunction with centralised information and education for homeowners and the broader community. Research is also required to examine emerging diagnostic tools for detecting hidden mould and moisture. Better mould assessment and standardisation of remediation with quality control may increase the protection of occupants from indoor mould exposure in housing and improve climate resilience in dwellings .