MOULD MATTERS
The 5 ways mould and damp in the house can harm your health – and the subtle signs you’re already sick
Plus, five top tips to prevent damp and mould at home
SPOTTING mould at home is an unwelcome, but not uncommon, sight for many Brits this time of year.
This might especially be the case following the weather of the past few days, as the UK was battered by bitterly cold winds followed by heavy rain.
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But banishing the toxic fuzz should be a priority, experts say.
When it manifests, damp is dangerous for our health.
It can cause respiratory illnesses, allergies and asthma as the fungus spores are released in their thousands into the atmosphere.
In 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak hit the news after he died as a result of the mould in his home in Rochdale.
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A damp home is the perfect environment for mould to grow on the walls and surfaces.
Damp is commonly caused by humidity, which can occur for many reasons, from weeks of rain outside to constantly washing clothes, cooking, or drying in the home.
It’s also a result of condensation, particularly in the bathroom, or weaknesses in the home’s infrastructure, such as a leak or lack of insulation or ventilation.
Mould appears slowly as black, white or green patches on the walls, ceilings or tiles.
It might smell damp and musty, making the home uncomfortable.
Government data says an average of three per cent of households in England had damp in at least one room of their home.
It’s more common in mixed white and Black Caribbean (13 per cent) and Bangladeshi (10 per cent) households than any other ethnicity.
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Meanwhile, the English Housing Survey reports that damp problems are more common in rented homes (six to seven per cent) than owner-occupied dwellings (two per cent).
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How mould affects your health
The NHS says the problem with mould is that it produces allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances.
When inhaled or they get into the skin, it causes nasty symptoms.
At first, these toxins may not cause any harm at low levels. But if they are consistently in the air, it starts to cause side effects.
People who live in homes with mould are more likely to:
- Have respiratory problems
- Respiratory infections
- Allergies
- Asthma, including asthma attacks
- Problems with the immune system
Jeroen Douwes, a professor of public health at Massey University, wrote in : “Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma.
“Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe symptoms when exposed.”
He added: “People who live in damp and mouldy homes are also at increased risk of depression which, in turn, may increase the risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma.”
The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says recent studies have suggested mould exposure could lead to the development of asthma in some children.
Signs you are already sick
Typically the signs are respiratory or what you'd normally see with allergies.
They can include:
- A runny nose
- Red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Coughing, including at night
- Sore throat
What can you do?
Prof Douwes said: “There are several practicable measures you can take to prevent or minimise indoor mould.
“These include adequately heating and, in colder climates, insulating your home to reduce air humidity levels and condensation.
“Install and use appropriate ventilation, particularly in wet areas or areas where water vapour may be emitted, such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchen areas.
“It’s also critical to avoid water leaks by controlling and maintaining rain and surface water drainage. Where holes are created in the roof or walls to allow skylights, windows, doors, pipes or other structures to be fitted, make sure these are watertight.
“If you find visible mould in your home, remove the mould and identify and address the cause of the excess moisture.
“Clean hard surfaces using soap and water or, if mould growth is persistent, a bleach solution could be used. You may need to throw away absorbent materials such as carpets, depending on the level of contamination.
“In case of extensive mould damage, you may need to call on commercial mould remediation services.”
If you are renting a property, it’s difficult to know where you stand with mould.
New rules came into effect in 2020 which should help tenants battling for better living conditions.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act came into force in March 2020 which means landlords must make sure their properties meet certain standards.
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It means renters in England and Wales can now take their landlords to court over problems including cold and damp homes.
But there are things tenants can do to help the home too, including opening windows while showering or preventing leaks in the plumbing.
5 Top tips to prevent damp and mould at home
Asthma + Lung UK are aware that mould can exacerbate or trigger asthma symptoms in those with the condition.
They give their to start combating mould in your home today:
1. Open windows and doors so air can move around. But be cautious on high pollen or pollution days if these are triggers for you.
2. Try to avoid drying clothes indoors. If you have nowhere else to dry them, open a window if you can.
3. Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom or open a window when cooking or after a shower.
4. Close the door of the room you’re in if you’re cooking or showering to prevent condensation in other rooms
5. Try to keep your home at a good background temperature so it never gets too cold at least 15 degrees in all rooms.
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