Mould in all of its guises requires very little nutrient to grow on walls and ceilings, irrespective of the decorative finishes. Mould spores will also create a further risk to health when they become airborne. When you have a mould problem, just washing alone even with bleach, WILL NOT solve the problem. It WILL return!
One of the main causes of mould growth is a lack of air movement, but other factors can influence development. By reducing moisture and introducing or restoring ventilation in the affected area or throughout your home will eradicate mould growth.
Causes Of Mould
Common Signs Of Mould
If you are having a problem with allergies then there’s a good chance there could be mould growing somewhere in your home. Common allergic reactions to mould include sneezing, sore eyes and a runny nose or nasal congestion.
Do you notice your allergic reactions are worse when you’re at home but you feel better when you go out? If so then it’s especially likely you could have mould. If you find that your allergies are worse in some other building, like your workplace, then there could be mould growing there instead.
Smelling a mouldy odor
When you have mould growing hidden away in your house, often a mouldy smell might be the only clue that it’s there. Don’t ignore mould odors if you can’t see any mould. You should thoroughly inspect your home before any mould problems get worse.
Seeing signs of mould growth
Visible mould growth might seem like an obvious sign of mould. However many people don’t notice small amounts of mould growth or they think it’s just soot or dirt. Sometimes people simply ignore visible mould in their house.
If you can see mould growth, even if it’s only small, you should take action immediately. Small mould patches can spread and the fact that there is any mould shows that the conditions in your home are right for mould to grow.
If you don’t take care of mould it will soon become a bigger problem. Visible mould growth could also be a sign that there is a much larger mould colony growing hidden away from view.
Sometimes you might not realize there is mould in your house, especially if it is unusual looking mould. Some mould growth looks white and thread-like. Other mould appears as clusters of small black spots. Mould can be black, gray-brown, gray-green or white in color. Mould growing behind wallpaper made of vinyl can even appear orange, pink or purple.
Health Problems
Moulds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mould spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Moulds have the potential to cause health problems. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mould are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mould. In addition, mould exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mould-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mould. Research on mould and health effects is ongoing.
Moulds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mould growth
For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.
It is impossible to get rid of all mould and mould spores indoors; some mould spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mould spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mould growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mould growth in your home, you must clean up the mould and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mould, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mould problem will come back.
Controlling And Treating Mould
- The key to mould control is moisture control.
- If mould is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mould promptly and fix the water problem.
- It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth.
We provide a range of methods and technology to improve or restore your property’s natural ventilation.
- FREE SURVEYS to diagnose specific causes of mould spore growth.
- Tailored solutions to remove and control the mould then additional solutions to ensure it does not return.