Damp and mould may be common, but they can also be dangerous to your health.
The Basics of Mould
Mould tends to result from damp and moisture, so it’s common if you’ve had heavy rainfall attack your home, damp that rises from a basement or leaky pipes. It’s found in parts of the house where water and condensation can accumulate, such as in bathrooms and kitchens. It can occur as a result of leaking pipes from showers and boilers and is one of the many reasons why you should have your boiler and heating system check annually by a Boiler service Cheltenham company such as http://www.combi-man.com/
From mould spores come allergens but potentially also irritants and toxicity. Once damp and mould set in and affects walls, ceilings and skirting boards, they can be difficult to remove fully. It’s generally easy to spot because it’s unsightly, but even removing or painting over the appearance doesn’t get rid of the spores that can harm health.
How It Affects Health
Although many people don’t fall ill from damp and mould, there are many that will find it negatively impacts their health. This may be a quick onset, or it could take months or years to develop, with varying degrees of severity. The spores, whether they are touched or inhaled, can impact the respiratory system and immune system, triggering asthma attacks, worsening pre-existing conditions where there is vulnerability, causing breathing problems or resulting in allergic reactions like itchy eyes and rashes on the skin.
A condition known as aspergillus can also arise from damp and mould; while there are different forms, the lungs are most commonly affected. It develops from aspergillus mould that’s found in the likes of dust, compost, soil and damp homes and buildings. Symptoms can include coughing, which may involve mucus or blood, a raised temperature, weight loss and wheezing.
Reducing moisture in the home is therefore important in keeping damp and mould at bay. It’s also important to ensure windows will prevent from rain seeping in your property and you should regularly check the seals around your windows and doors.
Those That Are Affected
While everyone can be affected by mould, individuals with compromised respiratory and immune systems are particularly vulnerable. The elderly, babies, children and individuals with allergies and skin conditions are all potentially at heightened risk also. Signs of allergies, asthma attacks, worsened breathing or a cough for over three weeks should be checked out by a GP.
