Living or working in a damp property puts your lungs and immune system on the line, often before you notice a single spot of mould. Damp isn't just unpleasant—it can sabotage air quality, trigger chronic coughs and fatigue, and spark asthma in both children and adults.
The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. The respiratory effects include: general symptoms such as cough, wheeze and shortness of breath. increased risk of airway infections, including aspergillosis (an infection of the airways with the fungus Aspergillus ...
The number of reports of bronchitis, common cold, atopy, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, fever and chills, hoarseness, fatigue, difficulties in concentration, lumbar backache and stomach ache were strongly associated with living in a damp home.
Exposure to a damp bedroom environment can precipitate health risks including allergies, asthma exacerbations, respiratory problems, and a heightened risk of infections in the airways.
The study found that dampness has a significant impact on our health and sleep quality. A recent study of 12,000 adults found that dampness and mould in the home can cause insomnia and fatigue. Dampness is a common problem in many homes, and it can have a number of negative health effects.
What are symptoms and effects of mold exposure?
How to spot signs of damp in your home
Some of the more common signs of excess damp include sinus congestion, some types of arthritis, respiratory problems, urinary tract infections, skin conditions such as acne and eczema, loose stools and other digestive issues and some types of headaches.
Stage 1: Mild Sensitivity – The patient will feel sneezing, nasal drip, fatigue. Level 2: Moderate Illness – Affected person face persistent coughing, rashes, brain fog. Stage 3: Chronic Exposure – An individual at this level will suffer from respiratory infections, mood disorders, memory loss.
Left unchecked, mould can impact your health, triggering allergies, nasal congestion and other respiratory symptoms. It can also cause wood to rot, which may compromise certain structures in your home. The good news is that using an air purifier for mould can keep mould from returning.
The presence of mold in your home can make you feel tired and lethargic; it causes headaches and dry throat, and can even contribute to the development of serious health issues like CFS.
Dampness causes multiple problems in the house like leakages, paint peeling, cracks, etc. If it is not dealt with properly, the moulds and fungus that form it can result in a negative impact on your health. Dampness can also cause damage to the structure of your house. This is why it's important to prevent it.
RESPIRATORY TRACT DISORDERS
The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.
10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity
Generally, a person can stay in a moldy home for years, though some people could feel extremely uncomfortable.
Urine mycotoxin tests are ideal for testing yourself (and your family members) for mycotoxin exposure. They're absolutely painless, totally non-invasive, and incredibly easy to use.
Dehumidifiers do not get rid of damp, but they remove excess moisture in the air, preventing the growth of mildew and mould. They can help against dampness, but they will not solve the problem completely. The effectiveness of a dehumidifier against damp depends on various factors.
Leafy green vegetables like kale, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and celery are good examples of bitter foods. Also, citrus peels are bitter, so oranges eaten with the white inner peel, or lemon/orange peel zest added to meat dishes can help reduce dampness.
8 Damp Preventing Tips
Look: Sometimes identifying dampness can be as simple as observing it. Can you see mould, tide marks or patches discoloured by damp? If so, you can be confident that you have a damp problem. Touch: Touching your walls to determine if they're excessively cold or wet can also help you identify dampness.
In winter, it is enough to open the window 3–4 times a day for 5 minutes. In summer, leave them open for up to half an hour, but more often, 5–6 times a day. In spring and autumn, ventilate for 10–20 minutes at least 4 times a day.
Condensation is the most common cause of damp in many houses, particularly in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. It occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, causing water to be deposited on the surface.