There are more than three hundred thousand types of mould in the world and many of them can cause health problems according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The ones that most of us are concerned about are those that occur in our home.

These are the four most common moulds found indoors:

Alternaria:

This is the mould that you frequently see in damp areas such as under a leaky faucet, sink or shower.

Aspergillus:

Aspergillus grows on building materials like drywall but also amidst dust or on food that is powdered.

Cladosporium:

You see this mould on both warm and cold parts of the home on wood surfaces or fabrics.

Penicillium:

This blue and green mould grows where there has been water damage.

What Does Mould Look Like?

Mould may look like a stain on a surface or may be distinctly green, blue, black, yellow or white. Mould colonies can be fuzzy or velvety or have a rough texture and the specific appearance may vary the type of mould of the conditions where it is growing.

How Does Mould Enter Your Home?

Colonies of mould produce tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye and are everywhere both in and out of doors. These spores go in and out of the house through open doors, windows, and ventilation systems. They are also transferred on your shoes or clothing as well as on fur and feet of pets that go in and out.

Mould needs moisture to grow so they do not reproduce on dry surfaces. They thrive in any place where moisture accumulates from leaks or condensation, where there is also poor ventilation, and on materials like cardboard, wallpaper, paper products, tile ceilings, wood products, upholstery, and insulation materials. The common factor with all of these is that they contain cellulose.

How Do You Know If You Have a Mould Problem?

If you see mould growing, you have a problem. And, if you notice a musty smell, you have mould that is growing out of sight. In both cases, the mould can damage the materials on which it grows and affect your health.

Mould and Your Health

Mould causes problems for people with allergies, pre-existing respiratory difficulties, or compromised immune systems.

Respiratory Issues

Tiny mould spores, fragments, and cells all contain organic compounds that can provoke allergies, cause direct irritation, or even cause toxic reactions. These materials break down when exposed to moisture which happens in the respiratory tract as well as on moist surfaces in the environment. If you have allergies, asthma, or chronic lung problems, too much mould in your home can be a threat to your health.

Symptoms Mould Problems:

  • Nose itching
  • Scratchy throat
  • Runny nose
  • Persistent cough
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes

All too often people get used to these symptoms and only deal with a mould problem when they have an asthma attack.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the aspergillus mould as explained by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The majority of people do not become ill if they breathe in Aspergillus spores. But, some people actually develop an infection due to having a weak immune system or pre-existing lung problems.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention discusses types of Aspergillus and symptoms.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Directly infects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe

Allergic aspergillus sinusitis: infects the nose and may cause headaches

Aspergilloma, or fungus ball: is a build-up of the mould that can block breathing and cause bleeding.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: causes long term problems breathing, persistent cough, and weight loss

Other Conditions Cause by Mould

By interaction with other microbes, like bacteria, mould encourages the growth of the other germs and then the secondary germ can cause problems, according to the World Health Organization. Additional fungal and bronchial infections include the following:

  • Bronchitis
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Allergic alveolitis
  • Allergic fungal sinusitis
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis
  • Problems in the lower respiratory tract in otherwise healthy children

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that mould exposure causes the following symptoms:

  • Eye and skin irritation
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Irritation of mucous membranes
  • Sick-building syndrome

Things that make health problems from mould more likely include these:

  • The amount of mould present in the environment
  • The person’s respiratory or immune health

Home Measures to Deal With Mould Health Issues

The first line of defense is to control mould within the home. It is always there but taking care of humidity and dampness issues as well as ventilation will prevent the vast majority of problems related to mould.

Humidity in the home comes from cooking, washing, letting humid outside air enter the home and even breathing from family and pets. If you live in a tightly sealed home there is a tendency for humidity to build up and cause mould problems. This can be alleviated by simply “airing out” your home from time to time or with the use of a dehumidifier.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping humidity in your home below 60%.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise people to aim for a humidity level of below 60%.

Ways to Stay Ahead of Excessive Humidity and Mould Build-up

  • Clean up leaks and spills
  • Fix leaky pipes and faucets
  • Use a dehumidifier in humid climates
  • Leave windows open to allow circulation in dry climates
  • Install exhaust fans to remove cooking moisture
  • Install an air vent for your clothes dryer
  • Avoid use of kerosene heaters
  • Make certain that clothing is completely dry before putting it away
  • Clean regularly and especially in areas prone to mould build-up
  • Use bathroom cleaners that kill mould
  • Avoid putting carpets in basements and bathrooms
  • Empty drawers and air out closets on a regular basis
  • Maintain drains and gutters to avoid leaks and water build-up