Damp and mould predominantly affect the airways and lungs. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. The respiratory effects include: general symptoms such as cough, wheeze and shortness of breath.
Living in a damp room can increase the risk of various health problems, including respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. Exposure to damp environments can also increase the risk of developing fungal infections, such as Aspergillosis, which is a condition caused by the inhalation of Aspergillus spores.
Humidity above 50% may invite bacteria, fungi, and other germs. And water starts to condense on windows and other home surfaces around 60%. Plus, the humidifier itself can grow mold and bacteria that blow into the air unless you clean and dry it daily.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to high levels of some VOCs can cause blurred vision, headaches, nausea, dizziness, coughing, burning eyes, respiratory irritation, skin rashes, respiratory illness, concentration difficulties, and other symptoms.
Essentially Toxic Building Syndrome is where the air quality in your home or office is so bad that it can affect the health of those inside. You see you might think you're breathing clean air, but in fact the air inside your home can have more than 900 harmful chemicals and organisms in it, which you simply cannot see.
Environmental Toxins Assessments offer homeowners comprehensive testing to assess exposure to common environmental toxins. You can use do-it-yourself kits; however, these are often inaccurate—it is best to have a professional test your home.
Damp and mould within the home can produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to health. Even if visible mould is not present, dampness alone can increase the risk of health problems.
Under appropriate exposure conditions susceptible individuals may succumb to an episode of humidifier fever, an influenza-like illness with pyrexia and malaise as the main symptoms, but cough, chest tightness, dyspnoea and weight loss may also be seen.
The Ice Cube Method
All you will need is a glass of water and a few ice cubes. Start by putting two to three ice cubes in the glass of water, then wait. After four minutes, go back and check the glass. If condensation is forming or dripping on the outside of the glass, your humidity levels may be too high.
Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include: Nasal and sinus congestion. Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes. Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Can Mold Inside Walls Make You Sick or Does It Need to Be Exposed? Yes. Even if you can't see it, mold can make you sick. Spores can spread throughout your home, even from relatively contained areas like inside the wall.
Mold exposure can cause a variety of neurological effects, including headaches and migraines, cognitive impairments, memory loss, confusion, impaired motor skills, depression, and other behavioral changes. Due to mold exposure, people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to neurological symptoms.
Mold can cause detrimental effects on human health, especially for children or people with pre-existing health conditions. Asthma is the most common health issue associated with long-term indoor mold exposure. Adults who live in moldy homes are up to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma.
Cough and dyspnea were the most common symptoms. White blood cell count and serum C-reactive protein titers were higher for humidifier lung than for summer-type HP. Serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen-6 and surfactant protein D were significantly lower for humidifier lung than for summer-type HP.
An easy solution to cure damp on internal walls is to paint walls and ceilings with Dryzone Mould-Resistant Emulsion Paint. The paint damp-proofs internal walls against condensation and protects for at least 5 years from unwanted mould growth.
Most standard buildings and contents home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by damp and condensation.
Home Air Quality Monitor
If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.