Education – Health Impacts​ Of Mould And Mildew

How Does Mould Affect Your Health?

Mould is a type of fungi that grows best in damp and poorly ventilated areas that reproduces by making spores. Microscopic mould spores are too tiny to see and they are very light which can make them very easy to be inhaled, especially when blown from your air conditioner. Mould spores can irritate and inflame the airway and lungs, causing;
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Sinusitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Asthma attacks
  • Other respiratory problems

Common mould symptoms can also be;

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Eye, nose, throat and skin irritation
  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Sinus congestion
  • Coughing and sneezing

Any prolonged exposure to high levels of mould can reduce your lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma. Mould can also trigger allergic reactions. Not everyone is allergic to mould, but it is a common allergen. Allergic reactions to mould may include respiratory symptoms as well as an itchy rash or hives. In severe cases, it can cause the throat to swell, making breathing difficult. In the worst cases, this can be life-threatening.

Some forms of mould produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, exposure to this can cause numerous health problems. Black mould or also known as toxic mould has been linked to health problems ranging from respiratory infections to eye infections, from joint pain to fatigue, from depression to bleeding in the lungs. Having mould anywhere in your home can make you sick and having mould in your air conditioning unit is particularly likely to cause illness because every time you turn on your air conditioner, mould spores are blown out into the air, where they are easily inhaled by you and your family.

How Does Mildew Affect Your Health?

Mildew is a type of fungus like mould which thrives in damp places. Mildew can be detrimental to your health, especially if you have any respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Mildew can also compromises the structural integrity of buildings, which can be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to both mould and mildew can have serious consequences for your health and your well-being. Many can suffer immediately after being exposed to spores, especially if they rest on your clothing that is in close proximity to your mouth and nose. Touching or inhaling mould and mildew can cause a wide range of health problems in both allergic and non-allergic people regardless if the spores are dead or alive. This include throat irritation and nasal issues like;
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing and bloody noses
  • Eyes may water and turn red
  • Skin can break out in hives or rashes
People at high risk for mildew related health issues can include infants, children, pregnant women, immune-compromised patients, the elderly and those with existing respiratory conditions. Mild respiratory symptoms after exposure to small or moderate amount of Mildew can include;
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Stuffiness and coughing
People who have asthma may have asthma attacks or wheezing after being exposed to mildew. Some people don’t react to small or moderate amounts of mildew in a home or building, but you should still remove any mildew growth. People who are exposed to large amounts of mildew may experience fever or shortness of breath. In addition, people who have chronic lung diseases or a compromised immune system may develop fungal infections in their lungs or opportunistic infections.

Asthma And Allergy Sufferers

Mould and Mildew can worsen a range of respiratory disorders such as asthma. Moulds produce millions of air-borne spores that can be very easily inhaled and if you are a person who suffers from asthma and you inhale mould spores, you are at an increased risk of experiencing an asthma flare-up. Mould can exacerbate asthma, or any other allergy symptoms especially in people with a known mould allergies. New research has suggested mould might even cause asthma in people who are genetically predisposed to the respiratory illness. Mould allergies cause the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Signs and symptoms can be Sneezing, Runny or stuffy nose, Cough and postnasal drip, Itchy eyes, nose and throat, Watery eyes and dry, scaly skin.

Mould allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. You may notice symptoms when the weather is damp or when you are in spaces that have high concentrations of mould. If you have a mould allergy and asthma, your asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to mould spores. In some people, exposure to certain moulds can cause a severe asthma attack.

Signs and symptoms of asthma include;

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness

Mould In The Classroom

There has been a number of investigations done from around the world that have demonstrated a close relationship between living in a mould-affected environment and the extent of adverse respiratory symptoms in children. When young children inhale mould spores, they can experience different respiratory problems which can be similar to the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as;
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sore throat
  • coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Various other flu-like symptoms
If your child has asthma, inhaling mould spores may trigger more frequent attacks and exacerbate their chronic lung disease. Although all types of household moulds may result in such troublesome allergy symptoms, the greatest health risks for children come from toxic black moulds (Stachybotrys chartarum). They produce mycotoxins that can be particularly harmful to kids and may even result in death. The black mould mycotoxins create irritation and burning sensation in the nasal cavity, mouth and throat. If they get lodged in the mucus membranes, sinuses, and the lungs, the mycotoxins can cause severe breathing problems and bleeding in the lungs. It has been a proven fact that the effects of mould exposure may have serious consequences for children in the early years of life. Prolonged black mould exposure in particular, is extremely dangerous as it increases the risk for hemorrhagic pneumonia and consequent death among infants. Apart from airway symptoms, children who are exposed to toxic black mould may also experience different neurological problems. The trichothecene mycotoxins produced by black mould can kill neurons in the brain and impair its functions, as well as cause nervous disorders, mood swings and irritability. The most common neurological symptoms of black mould include;
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Shortened attention span
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Memory loss and memory problems
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Numbness
Toxic black mould mycotoxins can easily enter the human body through the skin, especially if it comes to the delicate skin of a young child. So when a child’s skin comes into contact with black mould spores, irritation, itching, rashes and other skin problems may appear as a result. When the black mould mycotoxins come into contact with eye cells, they can cause inflammations of the eyes and create vision problems such as Itchy eyes, Watery eyes, Blurry vision, Red or bloodshot eyes, Eye inflammation and soreness.

Mould In Your Home

Exposure to mould inside your home can have a great negative affect on our health. On average we can spend approximately 16 hours a day at home and that increases even more when aged under seven or over 64 years old. Mould accumulates in damp and poorly ventilated places. Inhaling any mould fragments or spores can inflame your airways and can cause nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness and mould can reduce lung function and can cause chronic health problems such as asthma. Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to experience more severe symptoms when they are exposed. According to the World Health Organization, a considerable amount of the world’s 3000 million cases of childhood asthma is attributable to exposure to indoor dampness and mould. People who live in damp and mouldy homes are also at increased risk of depression, which in turn increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma. Mould is found both indoors and outdoors. Mould can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning systems. Mould in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets which can lead it being carried indoors. Mould is able to grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, pipes or where there has been flooding. Mould grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products. Mould can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric and upholstery. This is why it is important to not only clean and keep dry all areas of your home but to also clean those that aren’t always on the top of the list like inside your air conditioner. As this can be the perfect place for mould and bacteria to grow if left untreated.

How Mould Can Affect
The Health Of The Elderly

Having indoor mould can be an enormous health risk, especially for those with weakened or stressed immune systems. The elderly are more susceptible to developing illness from exposure to indoor mould. They are considered at a higher risk, especially those who already suffer from other illnesses. Mould exposure is known to cause several adverse conditions, even in healthy people. Common conditions caused by mould in elderly individuals can be;
  • Allergic reactions, such as inflammation of the throat
  • Sinus and nasal regions
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Nosebleeds
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Headaches
  • Inflammation in eyes and skin
  • Asthma
  • Dizziness
In addition to these common conditions, sometimes moulds can cause more severe reactions. For the elderly this can mean the difference between life and death. Some moulds can produce toxins that are exceedingly vigorous. These toxins are called mycotoxins, and can be easily dissolved in liquids and absorbed by epithelial linings in intestines and airways, as well as absorbed by the skin. The Elderly have higher risk of developing more serious conditions from exposure to moulds and their mycotoxins. It is important to remove all mould and maintain a clean, dry, and dust free living condition with proper ventilation for all elderly individuals. When symptoms of mould exposure are suspected in your elderly loved one, take it seriously and contact a professional immediately.

Mould In Childcare

Mould needs to be controlled in childcare settings to avoid possible health impacts for infants and children, including allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory issues. Like stated above in Mould In The Classroom, the effects are the same. It has been a proven fact that the effects of mould exposure may have serious consequences for children in the early years of life. Prolonged black mould exposure, in particular is extremely dangerous as it increases the risk for hemorrhagic pneumonia and consequent death among infants. Apart from airway symptoms, children who are exposed to toxic black mould may also experience different neurological problems. The trichothecene mycotoxins produced by black mould can kill neurons in the brain and impair its functions, as well as cause nervous disorders, mood swings and irritability. The most common neurological symptoms of black mould include;
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Shortened attention span
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Memory loss and memory problems
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Numbness

Mould In The Workplace

Mould in the workplace can have the same effect with having mould in your home. On average people are spending eight hours of their day at work cooped up in an office. Some people can develop an allergic reaction to mould, and symptoms may include;
  • Asthma-like respiratory illness
  • Watery, itchy, red eyes
  • Chronic cough
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Rashes (dermatitis)
  • Tiredness
  • Blocked nose and sinus problems
  • Frequent sneezing

Not only you can develop these symptoms, there is a variety of neurological symptoms you are at risk of such as;

  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Shortened attention span
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Memory loss and memory problems
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Numbness
It has been proven that exposure to mould can also lead to developing to depression. It is important that if you find anything that resembles mould you inform whoever is in charge as soon as possible.

Mould In Your Hotel Room

By having mould in your hotel room you can still experience the lighter effects of mould exposure, these symptoms include;
  • Nasal congestion
  • Coughing
  • Itching
  • Wheezing
  • Aggravation of skin and respiratory allergies
  • Fever
  • Headache

With spending longer periods of time in the hotel room you can develop moderate affects that can include;

  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Rapid and strained breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pains
  • Increased heart rate
  • Asthma and chronic bronchitis
Severe effects which vary based on exposure time and species can include potentially fatal anaphylactic shock, liver cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

Mould In Gyms

Could your gym be harbouring mould? Did you know it is more common than asbestos. Gyms are especially susceptible, given their propensity to warm, moist air. Moulds and fungi love moisture-rich environments. Swimming pools, saunas, showers, sweat and the increased respiration of individuals exercising all contribute to an environment at the gym that’s far more humid than that of offices and homes. Common mould symptoms can be;
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Eye, nose, throat and skin irritation
  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Sinus congestion
  • Coughing and sneezing
The World Health Organization has found a strong correlation between mould exposure and your health. If left untreated problems that can also arise are;
  • Digestive issues and weight gain (if ingested)
  • Depression
  • Muscle pain and numbness

Legionnaires’ Disease

You can catch Legionnaires’ Disease by breathing in water droplets or airborne liquid droplets that are contaminated by the bacteria. Legionnaires’ Disease cannot be caught from other people or from animal contact. The most common bacteria species associated with causing human disease in Australia is Legionella Pneumophila and Legionella Longbeachae. Legionella Pneumophila is found in warm water environments such as;
  • Air conditioning cooling towers in large buildings
  • Air conditioners
  • Showers and hot water systems
  • Spa pools
  • Misting or droplet sprays
  • Water fountains
It usually takes 2 to 10 days after exposure for Legionnaires’ Disease to develop. In most cases symptoms appear after 5 to 6 days. The early symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease are typically similar to severe ‘flu-like’ illness, and may include;
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle soreness
  • Haches
  • Tiredness
  • Reduced appetite
  • Dry cough and shortness of breath
Sometimes other parts of the body are affected, which can lead to;
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Mental confusion
  • Kidney failure
People who are more likely to contract Legionnaires’ Disease include;
  • People over 50 years of age
  • Smokers
  • People with chronic health conditions such as lung disease, diabetes and kidney disease
  • People with weakened immune systems.
  • Men are also more commonly affected than women.
Most people who are diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease will need to be treated with antibiotics such as erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. Most patients who receive early antibiotic treatment begin to improve within 3 to 5 days but usually require treatment for 10 to 14 days. If you experience any of these symptoms and you are concerned, see your health care professional.