From wheezing and shortness of breath, to inflamed lungs along with a fever and cough, for some people mould can produce serious health issues.
The 2023 Homes Health and Asthma in Australia Report found that half of those surveyed reported the presence of mould and/or dampness in their homes in the previous year.
NSW Health says people most likely to be susceptible are those with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions. Those with weakened immune systems and chronic lung diseases are more at risk of mould infection.
How does mould make you sick?
Mould is a fungus. And the issues with mould result from inhaling spores that are released into the air. As mould grows, the spores in the air increase.
Everyone’s system reacts differently. Some experience no sensitivity, and have no reaction to the presence of mould and its spores.
Others immediately experience symptoms. For certain people, the effects appear over time.
It can be easy to dismiss mould as a cause, because not everyone in the same home experiences a similar health impact. Many are also unaware that mould is present within the home.
Symptoms
The Department of Health and Aged Care cites health effects with sufficient evidence of association as:
- asthma (development, current, and exacerbation)
- allergic rhinitis
- dyspnoea
- wheeze
- cough
- respiratory infection
- bronchitis
- eczema
- upper respiratory tract symptoms
- hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), mycoses and allergic effects in susceptible people.
Health effects with limited or suggested evidence of association include the common cold, allergy/atopy, or mucous membrane irritation.
A number of conditions fall under health effects for which there is inadequate or insufficient evidence of an association with indoor damp or mould, including chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).
CIRS exists as a syndrome diagnosis in America, and deals with biotoxicity, but is not recognised in Australia.
Toxic Mould Support Australia aims to raise awareness of mould-related illnesses, with inclusion of CIRS in their definition, throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Mould in the home
Mould comes in a variety of colours and types – including green and white – and can be found in a range of locations throughout the home.
We generally associate mould with the bathroom or sometimes it is seen in dark patches on the roof, but in reality mould can prove much more pervasive.
Remember the spaces you don’t see, below flooring being one example. Places you might not check for mould include the potting mix of indoor plants.
From windows to clothes, wallpaper and wooden surfaces, mould can flourish, proving insidious in the home.
Mould and damp
Mould flourishes in damp conditions, thriving on moisture and humidity, and is helped by reduced ventilation. Take what steps you can to limit dampness in your home environment.
A preference for moisture means sources of mould you might not expect also exist in the home. Dehumidifiers for example, have the potential to spread spores if not properly cared for.
Mould can also be present in air conditioners, making regular servicing important. You don’t want to be spreading spores through your home this summer.
In certain cases, the issues are structural, and may require expert consultation.
What to do
There are a number of ways you can tackle mould removal, with parts detergent, vinegar or bleach. Your state government website likely offers basic guidelines on removal in residential properties.
If addressing mould, remember to take care to follow recommended protective precautions. This includes protecting skin and eyes, and quality masking to reduce the chance of inhaling spores.
Alternatively, you can call in a professional to test for mould in your home. There is a chance it is more pervasive than you imagined. A specialist can offer comprehensive mould removal services.
If you are worried mould is affecting your health, speak to your GP.
Have you ever had mould in your home? How did you get rid of it? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Top tips and tricks for getting rid of mould
