Everything You Need to Know About Mould

Mould is a type of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors, thriving in damp, warm, and humid environments. When mould grows, it releases spores into the air, which can be inhaled or come into contact with the skin. Exposure to these spores can cause health problems, especially in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to mould.

Health Effects of Mould Exposure:

• Allergic Reactions: Many people are allergic to mould. Exposure can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. These symptoms can occur immediately or develop after repeated exposure​​.

• Asthma and Respiratory Issues: For individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, mould exposure can trigger asthma attacks, increase coughing, and worsen breathing problems​​.

• Irritation: Even in non-allergic individuals, mould can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to discomfort or irritation​​.

• Immune-compromised and Chronic Illness: People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases may experience more severe reactions to mould, including lung infections​​.

Why Mould Can Be Harmful:

Mould can produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may provoke allergic reactions or irritant effects, and long-term exposure to high levels of mycotoxins may lead to more severe health conditions​​.

It's important to manage moisture and humidity to prevent mould growth. If mould is present, removing it and addressing the source of moisture is crucial to prevent further exposure and potential health issues​​. This is where we can help:

Mould itself has not been directly linked to causing cancer. However, certain types of mould produce substances known as mycotoxins, and some of these mycotoxins, like aflatoxins, have been classified as potential carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Aflatoxins are primarily found on agricultural commodities in the field or during storage, such as peanuts, corn, and certain other grains, rather than in typical indoor mould growth scenarios​​.

Long-term exposure to high levels of some mycotoxins has been associated with increased risks of certain cancers, notably liver cancer, in conditions primarily related to ingestion of contaminated food rather than inhalation. In indoor environments, the presence of mould producing carcinogenic mycotoxins at levels high enough to pose a cancer risk is low.

The primary health concerns with indoor mould exposure are allergic reactions, asthma exacerbations, and irritations rather than cancer. People with chronic respiratory issues may struggle to breathe, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for lung infections. So, it remains essential to manage mould promptly and effectively to ensure a healthy indoor environment​​.

There are products formulated keep the air clear of mould spores, which can be found here:

Reference:

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Mould reproduces by producing tiny spores that are too small to see with the naked eye. These spores are very lightweight and can travel through the air. When the spores land on a damp surface suitable for life, they can start to grow and form new mould colonies. Mould spores are present almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, and they can begin to grow into mould when they land on surfaces that provide the right conditions, such as moisture, warmth, and organic material to feed on. This is why controlling moisture levels in buildings and homes is crucial to preventing mould growth.

If you live in Western Australia and have a leak or any potential moisture issues in your property, consider enquiring about a Mould Inspection.

Mould comes from microscopic spores that naturally exist in the air both indoors and outdoors. These spores can enter homes and buildings through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. They can also be carried indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and pets. When mould spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp and contain organic material for them to feed on, such as wood, paper, carpet, and foods, they can start to grow and multiply, forming mould colonies. The key factors that facilitate mould growth are moisture and a suitable substrate (food source). Reducing moisture and controlling humidity levels indoors are essential steps to prevent mould growth.

Mould toxicity, often associated with exposure to mycotoxins produced by certain types of mould, can lead to a variety of health symptoms, which can vary widely among individuals. Mycotoxins are toxic substances that some moulds produce under certain conditions. Symptoms of mould toxicity can include:

• Respiratory issues: Such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.

• Allergic reactions: Including sneezing, itching, red eyes, skin rash, and sinus congestion.

• Neurological symptoms: Such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and changes in mood or cognitive functions.

• Fatigue and weakness: Persistent feeling of tiredness or lethargy that does not improve with rest.

• Digestive problems: Including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in appetite.

• Sensitivity to smells: Particularly chemical sensitivities or an increased sensitivity to odours.

• Joint and muscle pain: Unexplained aches and pains in the muscles or joints.

• Immune system disruptions: Leading to frequent infections or immune system disorders.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions, and exposure to mould does not necessarily mean someone will experience all or any of these symptoms. If you suspect you're experiencing health issues related to mould exposure, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, and to address the mould problem in your environment to prevent further exposure.

Yes, heat can kill mould, but it requires specific conditions to be effective. Mould dies when exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C) for an extended period. However, simply applying heat to a mould-infested area is not a practical solution for mould remediation in homes or buildings because it does not address the moisture source that allowed the mould to grow initially. Additionally, excessive heat can damage materials and structures. The most effective way to combat mould is by eliminating moisture sources, cleaning or removing contaminated materials, and using appropriate mould remediation techniques.