Damp Dangers

Mould around windowsills, which is sometimes caused by condensation, and on walls and ceilings is a familiar sight to homeowners up and down the country. Like a virus this black-grey and green mass seems to spread into our rooms, resisting our increasingly desperate attempts to shift it with the latest cleaning products that promise much but deliver little. Without a doubt, it is an eyesore - and an embarrassment when you've invited guests around to stay. But did you know that mould is also a hazard to your health and to the health of those who you invite into your home?

 

Mould health hazards

 

Indoor moulds are fungi that develop in damp / moist areas of the home. When conditions are right for mould growth (but wrong for us) the mould releases high levels of spores into the air in its efforts to reproduce. These spores, which are invisible to the eye and are often odourless, can cause respiratory illnesses in people who are exposed to them.

 

Most at risk are allergy sufferers. When mould spores are breathed in they irritate and inflame the airways. Allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and sneezing are common ailments that result from exposure. Children with soft lung "linings" and asthma sufferers too may find their breathing compromised by mould spores - a situation that could bring about a sudden asthma attack.

 

But being an effective allergen is not the only way mould can affect our health. When the environment is right, some types of mould, such as stachybotrys - a common indoor mould that thrives in damp spots and takes on a black slimy appearance - excrete gaseous compounds as part of their life cycle. Known as mycotoxins these odourless releases are poisonous and will cause harm, especially to people living with them 24/7. If the level of mycotoxins goes unchecked long-term exposure could end up being lethal.

 

Tell-tale signs

Recognising the signs of mould growth is the first step on the road to solving your mould problem. Around windowsills look out for the appearance of dark spots and patches growing in, on or under the sealant around the frame. Look too for furry mould growth on seals that edge the window glass. Peeling paint on walls and ceilings is a sure sign of damp - the precursor to mould growth. If your wallpaper becomes discoloured and begins to peel check that too for dampness. Detecting damp conditions that aid mould growth on floors can be difficult if your floors are carpeted. Look carefully at the condition of the carpet and check for moss, lichen and algae growths. For wooden floors the same applies. Woodworm damage too is a sign that you could have a damp problem.

Solving the problem

 

If you have a mould problem in your home you'll need to urgently identify the source of the mould. For mould to grow it needs a water source. This could be something as simple as water running down brickwork from a leaking gutter, or it could be something more serious such as rising damp. For leaks emanating from your roof consider enlisting the services of a roofing specialist. They can help you track down even the smallest of breaches in your roof that could be letting rainwater seep in. If the problem is on the ground level you may want to bring in a specialist damp coursing company to evaluate if there is an issue with your damp proofing. Should they identify this as the root of your problem they will use injection equipment to put in place a new damp proof barrier under your home. Reputable companies will provide a long-term guarantee for their work.

Whatever the cause, once you've identified it, you can take steps to remedy the situation, cutting off the mould's moisture supply.

 

Next, remove the mould growth that you have in your home. Use a fungicidal wash to do this. The most reliable washes are those that carry Health & Safety Executive approval. Follow the product's instructions and then redecorate the areas affected with a fungicidal paint or polystyrene-backed wallpaper to prevent mould reappearing.

 

Finally, take steps to better ventilate your property. Condensation, even though you may find it not to be the primary cause of your mould problem, certainly does not help your situation. If condensation is bad it could reawaken mould growth in those problem areas or it could introduce mould to new areas of your living space.

 

Dehumidifiers are an excellent way of controlling indoor moisture. They are frequently used as a way to reduce incidences of condensation. You should also think about your property's insulation. The less the air temperature in your home swings around, the better protected you'll be from any recurrence of a mouldy nightmare!