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.