Mould—one of those things that might stealthily creep up on you behind walls, under flooring, or in moist areas of your house. It is there, compromising your air quality and maybe your health before you know it. You are not alone if you have ever questioned precisely how serious it is to live in a house with mould. Even the World Health Organisation (WHO) has had a word on this, and the results are worth reading.
If you are living in a damp climate, you are most likely to come across mould in one form or another. The main concern, though, is what does mould really do to your health, and what are the hazards of living in a structure where it is allowed to flourish?
What Exactly Is Mould?
Let’s start first by looking at what mould really is. Usually in areas with inadequate ventilation or moisture buildup, mould is a kind of fungus that thrives in damp surroundings. It spreads readily to many areas of your house by spewing microscopic spores into the air.
While some mould is rather benign, some forms can cause major health problems, particularly if the conditions let it proliferate without control. You probably know it from dark streaks on your bathroom ceiling or maybe a musty scent in the understairs cupboard. Though some forms are more serious than others, all varieties of mould should be regarded seriously regarding your health; they range in colour from black and green to white and grey.
The Health Risks: What WHO Says
The World Health Organisation treats mould issues seriously. Their studies suggest that living in a mouldy building raises your chance of several medical issues. Those who live in wet or mouldy surroundings are more likely to have respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic illnesses.
Mould contact can also cause allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes on the skin. One of the most worrying things about mould is how it affects people who are already weak. WHO says that young children, the old, and people who already have health problems are especially at risk. Mould can cause problems over time even in a healthy person, which might result in symptoms including chronic coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing.
The Link Between Mould and Asthma
One of the main areas of concentration for WHO is the relationship between asthma and mould. Living in a mouldy environment might be especially risky if you or someone in your house has asthma. Research referenced by the WHO indicates that exposure to mould can aggravate the severity of the disorder and cause asthma episodes.
If you do not have asthma, living with mould raises your risk of developing it over time, particularly if you routinely encounter many mould spores. Children run considerably more risk here. WHO points out that early life indoor dampness and mould exposure raise the likelihood of asthma development later on. In places where mould is common owing to humid or damp circumstances, this is especially worrying.
Can Mould Really Make You ill?
You should be concerned, not simply about asthma. From modest allergic reactions to major illnesses, the WHO has discovered that mould exposure can lead to a wide spectrum of health issues. One of the more concerning results is the possibility of mycotoxin release by some forms of mould, which are poisonous substances.
Severe cases of mycotoxin exposure have been linked to immune system suppression, therefore increasing your susceptibility to diseases. Furthermore, some mycotoxins may damage DNA, hence causing long-term health problems. Although this is less prevalent, it is a concern that cannot be disregarded.
Hidden Dangers: Where Mould Lurks
Often unseen for months or even years, mould can flourish behind walls, beneath flooring, or in crawl spaces. By the time you notice obvious mould symptoms, the disease is probably far more widespread than you would have guessed.
WHO stresses the need for tackling mould as soon as one suspects it to be present. If you smell musty or start having symptoms like chronic coughing, headaches, or worsening asthma—even if you cannot see it—you should look at whether mould could be the cause.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
What should you do if your house is mouldy? Several important actions advised by the WHO help to lower your exposure and safeguard your health. Dealing with the cause of the moisture comes first. Since mould needs moisture to grow, fixing leaks and improving ventilation will help to greatly halt its spread. You should also clean any visible mould you come across right away. However, severe infestations may call for professional help.
WHO advises avoiding using harsh chemicals like bleach since their spread of mould spores usually aggravates the condition. If you are renting a house and think mould exists, you ought to let your landlord know straight away. Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure their properties are free from hazards, including mould and dampness.
The Bottom Line: Mould Is a Serious Health Hazard
The WHO makes it obvious that living in a mouldy building is a major health risk rather than only an annoyance. Whether your symptoms are minor, such as allergies, or more severe, like asthma, it can greatly affect your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to act if you believe your house contains mould. To stop future development, solve the issue at its source, clear any obvious mould, and enhance the ventilation in your house.
Most importantly, then, pay close attention to your health. See your GP if you experience any symptoms connected to mould exposure, such as coughing constantly, wheezing, or mysterious headaches. Early intervention guarantees that you and your family live in safe, healthy surroundings and helps avoid long-term health issues.