As Sydney and greater New South Wales is lashed by record-breaking rain again and residents are being warned to brace for more mould outbreaks as the humidity stays high and windows closed against winter chills.
Mould, although natural, can cause damage to furniture, home fixtures and clothing, as well as to human health with ongoing exposure. Many residents may find themselves without the best tools however, as hardware stores across the east coast report shortages in mould removal and dehumidifying products.
One health professional in Western Sydney said that since the March flooding event, she had seen individuals with “allergies or respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, but with the histamine complex and immune issues being triggered by mould more people are presenting.”
The advice from experts remains the same – prevention is key to ensure mould outbreaks don’t become severe. Mould only grows in humid environments, so making sure the house is well ventilated is crucial to preventing mould.
In kitchens, laundries and bathrooms, where there are most likely to be higher rates of humidity, ensure that there is adequate ventilation, and that extractor fans are cleaned and working well. In other rooms of the house, make sure that on sunny or dry days, the house is opened and fresh air allowed to flow to prevent a build-up of moisture.
Keeping an eye on problem areas is also highly recommended by experts, who say checking behind furniture, hanging paintings or artwork and inside cupboards can be key to catching any infestations early.
Dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbing products can be useful for preventing moisture accumulating in the home, but many Aussies may struggle to access them, with hardware stores across the east coast reporting supply issues in the face of increased demand.
There have been reports of shortages of mould cleaner across hardware stores, including major chains like Bunnings and Mitre 10, with huge numbers of people experiencing mould outbreaks. With the recent rain and flooding, it is likely that further supply chain issues will persist.
Taking the mould removal product shortages and the likely increase in mould outbreaks in homes across NSW, experts are reminding homeowners that bleach is unlikely to be effective as a removal product. The reminder is that if in doubt, or the mould outbreak is greater in size than a dinner plate, it’s best to call in experts.