Health & Building - Damp and Mould
Mould
Why is mould dangerous?- Mould is found in any damp place – from piles of autumn leaves and woody areas, to bathrooms, kitchens and even piles of damp clothes
- Mould releases tiny spores into the air, that are breathed in, which can cause respiratory problems and illnesses
- Breathing in mould spores can be detrimental to your health, as it can cause respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions and asthma episodes
- Mould is particularly dangerous to people with weak immune systems, as it can also leave people vulnerable to other types of illnesses
If you are allergic to mould, consider:
- removing visible mould by cleaning with bleach or other mould reduction cleaners (Warning: these cleaners are highly toxic and should be used with caution – please ensure you follow all instructions given)
- ensuring adequate natural ventilation
- sealing leaks in bathrooms and roofs
- removing indoor pot plants (which promote mould growth)
- avoid working with garden compost and mulch
Although humidity promotes mould growth, studies of dehumidifiers have not been shown to be helpful in asthma control.
Sub-floor Damp
Why is sub-floor damp hazardous?- Sub-floor damp can lead to mould (which can cause health problems) and can also lead to damage to home structures
- Excessive sub-floor dampness will affect timbers and flooring structures, which also leaves homes vulnerable to termite infestation
- With the addition of the dangers of mould and structural damage, sub-floor damp, combined with harmful pollutants in the air can lead to further health hazards
- Air inside homes can contain invisible, odourless pollutants that are not readily detected. If the sub-floor is damp, then the moisture can penetrate through wooden floors, underlay and carpet, which can combine with the pollutants that are not ventilated out, causing severe health hazards
- Health hazards include irritation to eyes and nose, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, infections and respiratory diseases
- The key to preventing these health hazards is ventilation
- Ventilation of the sub-floor is important, as it will reduce any dampness, preventing the growth of moulds
- Ventilation of the main parts of the house is also essential to reduce any excess moisture in the home, as well as to air out any harmful pollutants
Rising Damp
Why is rising damp hazardous?- Rising damp is a major cause of decay to masonry materials such as stone, brick, earth and mortar
- Moisture evaporates from either face of the wall into the porous masonry materials; damp walls can encourage the growth of moulds
- Rising damp can cause unsightly crumbling of exterior masonry and staining of internal finishes, but can also result in larger damage to structures
- Rising damp enables the growth of moulds and other fungi, which can cause respiratory illness in occupants
- Rising damp can be prevented through the use of a damp-proof course (DPC), which is a barrier at the base of the wall just above ground level that prevents moisture from rising
- Proper underfloor ventilation is important in controlling damp
