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Mould Growth The Facts
Mould belongs to a very common group of organisms called fungi. Some common names from these family of moulds include yeast and mushroom. It grows almost anywhere including indoors and outdoors. Wet or moist conditions that lack adequate ventilation encourages mould growth in ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material, wood etc.
In order to reproduce, mould produces spores that can be easily transmitted through the air spreading health implications if inhaled and can cause mild to extreme health conditions, from a blocked or runny nose, watering eyes, itchy skin and breathing problems. Sometimes people end up having more serious complications than these. It is particularly dangerous for Asthmatics as inhaling mould spores may cause severe asthma attacks.
The type of people who are more vulnerable to health problems from contact with mould are the young and elderly, allergy sufferers, cancer patients on chemotherapy, individuals with weak immunity, organ transplant patients, people with chronic lung diseases and many more.
Even though mould can grow virtually anywhere, it requires a moist surface that contains nutrients to grow and survive. The best way to reduce mould growth is by keeping the home as dry and damp free as possible. This can be achieved through:
- Maintaining a proper ventilation
- Reduced humidity
- Dampness control
Government websites all over the world have information on Mould and Our Health.
How do moulds and fungi affect asthma?
When someone with an allergy to mould breathes in mould or fungi spores, their immune system over-reacts with coughing, sneezing or watery eyes.
If you aren’t sensitive to mould, you may never have a reaction to it. But for some people with asthma who are sensitive to mould spores, it can act as a trigger, causing asthma symptoms to get worse.
Effects of mould.
Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheeze, respiratory infections, and worsen asthma and allergic conditions.
People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with:
- Weakened immune systems
- Allergies
- Severe Asthma
- Chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases.
You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about the effects of mould.
Many different types of mould exist and all have the potential to cause health problems.
FACT SHEETS: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx
- What are the possible health problems from contact with mould?
- Who is at the greatest risk of health problems from contact with mould?
- How can I prevent mould from growing in my home?
Mold and Health.
Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.
Addressing moisture and mould in your home.
Health Canada considers indoor mould growth to be a significant health hazard. The word mould is a common term referring to fungi that can grow on building materials in homes or other buildings. Damp conditions and mould growth in homes increases the risk of respiratory allergy symptoms and exacerbate asthma in mold-sensitive individuals. It is important to know how to identify, address and prevent moisture and mould in your home.
People living in homes with mould and damp conditions are more likely to have:
- eye, nose and throat irritation
- coughing and phlegm build-up
- wheezing and shortness of breath
Mould.
Moulds are a type of fungi that require moisture and a food source to grow. They reproduce by releasing vast numbers of tiny spores into the air which can be inhaled.
- mould, moisture and ventilation
- Stachybotrys chartarum (SC)
- testing for Stachybotrys.
- removing and cleaning up procedures for moulds