East coast residents fighting against cold temperatures, combined with residual high humidity levels, have been warned to monitor their health if their home has mould outbreaks.
One Sydney woman, who struggled with mould following recent record rainfall, and said her home was covered in mould, also explained that she was feeling the physical effects of the outbreak. Her doctor explained that mould can cause serious health problems, and immediate removal of mould would assist in managing the condition of the home as well as health conditions brought on by its presence.
Plenty of people see mould as a nuisance in the home and something that damages furnishings, fixtures and belongings. Without appropriate treatment and prevention, it keeps returning and can become a headache for the resident.
Mould indoors and exposure to mould for extended periods can cause adverse health effects. Spores from mould, which cause it to regrow, are also the trigger for health problems, including allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms, congestion, lung irritation and respiratory infections.
Mould can also give people asthma and in serious cases, can develop into chronic asthma. In extreme cases, there are also recorded incidents of patients presenting with mould growing in their lungs due to ongoing exposure.
Doctors and lung specialists note that for those who are older, have a compromised immune system, breathing conditions or allergies, exposure to mould can increase your risk of adverse health effects dramatically.
Despite being used frequently – and growing in popularity as a remedy thanks to social media – bleach doesn’t always remove the entirety of the mould outbreak and can often leave spores behind. Vinegar solutions are touted as a better alternative, but if the mould is larger than a dinner plate, it is highly recommended that a professional be engaged.
In addition to removing the mould, managing the dampness in the home is a major contributing factor to preventing mould. If the relative humidity is above 70 per cent, mould is likely to return quickly, so airing the home on sunny days and running a dehumidifier or an air conditioner on a dry cycle are all appropriate steps.
Improving ventilation, including making sure exhaust fans are clear and in good working condition and making sure they’re switched on in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens while in use, will go a long way to keeping the air dry and the home at a lower risk of mould.