It’s winter, which means many of us are exposed to damp conditions and mould growth in our homes, increasing the risk of respiratory ailments and depression.
Mould grows in damp and poorly ventilated conditions. Black mould, one of the more common varieties, releases toxic spores that have been linked to severe respiratory illness, even death.
People living in damp and mouldy homes are also at higher risk of depression, which can in turn increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Those with existing health issues such as allergies and asthma are at greatest risk, although otherwise healthy individuals can also be affected.
As the wet winter days continue, it’s a good time to address any mould issues you may find in your home. Removing the mould is the first step. Hard surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water or commercial anti-mould products. Absorbent surfaces such as carpets and curtains can be more difficult – in extreme cases some soft furnishings could need to be replaced.
Crucially, once the mould has been removed, it is important to address the root cause of the mould – leaking roofs and window frames are a common culprit, as is poor ventilation.
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This guide from SA Health offers more information on mould and health, and tips on mould prevention.