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At some point in our lives, we would have come into contact or seen mould on things such as window frames, a shower curtain, soft toys, leaking pipes and or soft furnishings. But just how much can it affect our quality of life?
To understand how mould and damp can affect our body, we firstly need to know exactly what it is.
Mould is defined as a multi cellular fungus that requires moisture, warmth and nutrients to survive. When these conditions are present, mould can grow in any damp or dark spot.
Mold spores have very tiny hairs on their body which allow them to be airborne for much longer, than other spores. These spore's are so small, that when you give your old books a shake for example, you are actually breathing in the microscopic spores of mould.
It is important to keep an eye out for any moisture or dampness in your home. This can be done by simply inspecting the interior and exterior areas of each room at regular intervals. If you notice any damp spots or moisture on the walls, ceilings, windows or floors, take immediate action.
If you are not sure whether or not your home contains mould, it is best to be on the safe side and either contact your landlord or have a mould inspection completed by a professional.
A professional should also be able to recommend any preventative measures to take. One of these would be the installation of an extraction system, preferably one that connects to your central heating system. This will ensure there is no moisture lurking around in your ducts or radiators.
For example, if you are constantly battling condensation in your bedroom or see water dripping from the ceiling in your bathroom, it would be a good idea to investigate further.
There are various signs that mould could be settling into your home and mould can show itself in various ways.
If you notice any dark growths on any of your household appliances, cupboard doors or woodwork, it's best to investigate further.
Mould emits toxic substances that cause a mild musty odour which you may not notice at first, but as time goes on you will start to notice the smell.
If you think you have a musty smell coming from inside the house, it's best to call your landlord so they can check for any signs of mould.
An obvious sign that there may be moisture present, would be dark patches on soft furnishings or wallpaper and discolouration on hard surfaces such as wood.
There are over twelve different types of mould growths that can be found in the home. Here a just a few of the common forms which you may come across:
This can be found in damp and or water damaged buildings.
This is a common mould growth that is found in sanitary fixtures such as showers, baths, toilets and sinks.
This mould is found around windows where they are most vulnerable to water damage.
This form of mould can be found on damp materials such as ceiling tiles, wallpaper and insulation materials used in the attic regions.
Mould on walls can be caused by leaking pipes, water leaks, damaged roofing, burst water tanks and also heavy rain. When moisture is left to dry on building materials, it can cause damage leading to blemishes on the surfaces. If this process isn't treated quickly, the mould will grow and spread onto other surfaces.
Both air and water can contribute to dampness in a building, so it is important to check all indoor areas for potential leaks or broken pipes. Although having the odd leaky pipe or condensation is not going be create any serious health problems, if left unchecked it may spread to worrying proportions.
Mould spores will be present in the air even in dry areas, but only grow when they are given enough moisture to do so. If you can reduce or remove this source of moisture, then it will slow down the growth of moulds.
Although not everyone is affected by damp and mould, it is highly likely that if a person is subjected to prolonged exposure, they may display symptoms such as nasal congestions, throat irritation and respiratory infections, coughing and wheezing.
These symptoms can often be mistaken for a common cold or flu virus; but in fact could be caused by the growth of mould and dampness in your home environment.
There has been much research done into the effects of mould and damp on the body, with numerous studies conducted on their impacts.
One main study conducted in Manchester, found that when an individual is exposed to dampness and mould spores, there are higher numbers of mucosal antibodies produced. These antibodies lead to congestion which in turn can cause headaches and other breathing difficulties.
The effects of damp on the body do not only end here, with further studies revealing that continual exposure to mould and damp can cause chronic lung problems.
How do you know if mould is making you sick?
If you have mould in your home and are feeling unwell, and you are showing signs of breathing difficulties, coughing, headaches or skin rashes, it is likely you have been exposed to mould spores and are making you feel unwell. However, you can also suffer from allergic reactions to fungi and other bacteria which are commonly found in household dust, so it's best to test the air quality in your home.
Since mould can cause allergies, if you notice an increase in sneezing or skin irritations, this may be a sign of an allergic reaction. The best step to take is to remove the source of the mould, which will eliminate any symptoms associated with it.
If there has been flooding in your home where water has stood for over 48 hours it is possible to develop a variety of health problems such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis and influenza, which can be serious in some cases.
If you suspect that you or someone in your household has had an allergic reaction to mould, take the proper precautions and eliminate all sources of mould in and around your home.
It is important to keep in mind that if you have a very serious allergy to mould or mildew, then even the smallest amount of exposure can cause significant problems. If this is the case, you should seek immediate medical advice.
Although healthy people can be affected by mould, people who have a weakened immune system such as children and the elderly, can be seriously put at risk from mould spores.
What health issues can mould cause?
Can moisture from mould make you sick?
As we have learnt, the growth of mould and dampness in your home environment is caused by excess moisture, and it can be difficult to determine exactly where this moisture is coming from.
Once the source of moisture has been identified you need to find a way to remove it and keep it from returning.
If you have a musty smell, it is likely that moisture has seeped into the wall cavities, so it would be wise to check these areas first. If you notice damp patches or mould on your furniture and carpets, they may need replacing in order to prevent mould from returning. In turn, this will prevent breathing difficulties and other health problems associated with the growth of mould.
Mould loves to grow in warm low-light conditions, so keeping your home well ventilated is crucial. Otherwise mould will just keep growing and thriving in your homes interior settings.
Here are a few steps to take in order to keep away mould and damp:
There are many ways you can reduce the presence of mould and damp in your home environment, some are simple enough to do yourself with some professional help available for more complicated jobs.
Most areas of dampness can be addressed by locating the source of the moisture and either sealing it off or drying it out completely. This normally involves using a dehumidifier to remove any excess water that may be trapped in porous materials.
Adding mould inhibitors to the wall is also another way of preventing it from growing on surfaces, by creating a chemical barrier that will stop mould spores attaching themselves.
Having regular checks for leaks and moisture build up, will ensure any problems are taken care of straight away, deterring the growth of moulds in your home environment.
If you are a tenant in a rented property and are having problems with mould and damp, it is important you speak to your landlord so they can get to the root of the cause.
If you landlord is unwilling to help sort the problem and you are experiencing health issues related to the mould affect, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Talk to Tenant Rescue today to discuss your case on its own individual merit.
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