What Are the Dangers of Ignoring Mould in Your Home?

By Leo 3 years ago

Mould is a common yet often overlooked issue that can cause significant health risks and damage to your home if ignored. This invisible invader thrives in damp and humid conditions prevalent in many residential buildings. This article will explore the dangers of ignoring mould in your home, where it hides, its health effects, and the critical measures to address and prevent this problem. 

How Mould Infests a Home

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp and stuffy areas and can be detrimental to a home’s structural integrity and its occupants’ health. To understand this issue better, let’s examine how mould infests a home.

  • Moisture Accumulation: Mould infestation primarily begins with the buildup of moisture. This can result from leakages in pipes, seepage through walls, or high humidity in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Lack of Ventilation: A very important factor that aids in mould growth is the lack of ventilation. This does not allow evaporation of dampness, causing a suitable environment for mould to thrive and multiply.
  • Spore Transportation: Mould reproduces through tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye. These can easily get transported by air, animals, or even humans and settle down in areas with high humidity or dampness.
  • Growth and Colonization: Once the spores find a suitable moist and dark environment, they begin to grow, feeding off organic materials like wood, fabric, or even some types of paint. The process of colonization takes about 24 to 48 hours in ideal conditions.
  • Infestation: Over time, the growth of mould becomes visible to the naked eye when it forms clusters. At this point, the mould has infested your home, spreading to various locations where conditions allow.

Mould in Common Household Spaces

  • Bathroom: Molds often nest in bathrooms, primarily due to the high humidity levels and frequent condensation that these spaces experience. Regular showers and baths generate steam, increasing air moisture and creating an ideal environment for mold growth.
  • Walls: Walls are another common space where molds can grow. This situation is often the result of penetrating dampness, usually caused by water seeping through external walls. When water leaks or intrudes, it creates moisture, providing a conducive environment for molds to grow. 
  • Bedroom: Mold in bedrooms is often due to the condensation of warm, moist air on cooler walls or windows. This situation occurs when warm, moist air from sources like perspiration or breathing comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the air to lose its capacity to hold moisture, hence causing condensation. 
  • Basement: Basements typically have poor ventilation and damp, causing molds to grow. It is also a common place for leakages and flooding, creating a perfect breeding ground for moulds. Basement molds can quickly spread to other parts of the house if not identified and corrected promptly. 

Note: These spaces often offer abundant moisture and food sources for the molds. Engaging with professional services like PuroClean Canada on the first signs of mold is crucial, ensuring your home remains healthy and mold-free.

Understanding the Health Risks of Indoor Mould

Indoor mould infestation is a significant concern with potential health hazards many are unaware of. This document highlights the health risks associated with indoor mould and underlines the importance of mould remediation. 

Allergic Reactions

Exposure to indoor mould can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Signs include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. An individual’s immune system can sometimes overreact, leading to severe anaphylactic responses.

Respiratory Health Risks

Breathing in mould spores can lead to respiratory complications such as breathing difficulties, coughing, and wheezing. In severe cases, continued exposure can result in the development of asthma or exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.

Immune System Disorder

Mould exposure over time can lead to immune disorders. The immune system can become hyperactive, causing an inflammatory response throughout the body. This can result in body aches, fatigue, and nausea, among other symptoms.

Mental Health Impact

Emerging research has shown that prolonged mould exposure may be linked to depressive symptoms and anxiety. This impact on mental health can result from both the physical symptoms caused by mould and the stressful experience of living in a mould-infested environment.

Neurotoxicity

Some varieties of mould produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that can lead to neurological problems. Symptoms can include confusion, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties.

How to Prevent Mould Infestation

  • Maintain Moisture Control: Moulds thrive in damp and humid conditions. Regularly checking possible moisture sources like leaks in roofs or pipes can prevent the growth of mould. Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to help maintain an ideal humidity level inside your home.
  • Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation in your house, especially in high-humidity areas like bathrooms, laundry, and kitchens, can help prevent mould spores from settling. Therefore, use exhaust fans when cooking, washing dishes, or showering.
  • Regular Cleaning: Conduct regular cleaning activities in your house, specifically in areas prone to dampness. It’s essential to often clean and dry wet areas immediately to discourage mold growth. 
  • Use Mould-Resistant Products: Use mold-resistant products like paints or building materials, especially in damp areas. These products hinder the growth of mould and could be a long-term solution.
  • Monitor Indoor Dryness: Ensuring the house’s indoor air is dry is crucial. Enhancing circulation and sunlight can reduce dampness levels inside the house.
  • Regular Inspections: Scheduling regular inspections of your house or basement for potential mould formation can help in early detection and prevention. If mould is detected early, it will be easier to manage and eliminate before it becomes a large infestation.

The Takeaway

Neglecting mould in a home poses various hazards, particularly to health. One can maintain a safe and nutritious living environment by understanding its cause, identifying its presence, and promptly undertaking remediation measures.