Why is mould dangerous

Further studies are needed to find out what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage and other adverse health effects. There is no blood test for mold. Some physicians can do allergy testing for possible allergies to mold, but no clinically proven tests can pinpoint when or where a particular mold exposure took place.

People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease e. Individuals with immune suppression are at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth e.

Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address. Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement.

It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture. Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly within hours after any flooding.

Dig out mud and dirt. Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces such as wood, tile, stone with soapy water and a bristle brush.

Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces such as flooring, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, and sinks with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup 8 ounces of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.

If you have an extensive amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes.

These decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in a building, you should consult your physician to determine the appropriate action to take. Remember that mould is likely to return unless you also take steps to treat the cause of the problem see above.

If you rent your home and have taken measures to ensure the building is properly ventilated and mould is still growing, you should raise the issue with the owner or real estate agent. Public housing tenants should call the Housing Contact Centre on Since most mould is visible, it is generally not necessary to test for mould in the home. However, some mould contamination may be present in cavities or the ceiling. If you think you have mould in your home but cannot find the source of the problem, you could employ an occupational hygienist.

For a fee, these professionals can provide specialist mould testing and consultancy services. Further advice concerning the health risks of mould can be obtained from your local public health unit. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Skip to content Contact us Emergency information. Home Environmental health Fact sheets Mould Asbestos and health risks Avoiding spider bites Dioxins in Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River — Health advice for recreational fishers Ethylene oxide Lead exposure in children Groundwater contamination by EDC at Botany Naphthalene in moth balls and toilet deodorant cakes Continual breakpoint chlorination Controlling chloramines in indoor swimming pools Cleaning and disinfection of foot spas Disinfectant dosing systems Disinfection of public swimming pools and spa pools Frostbite Healthy swimming pools Hypothermia Mine blast fumes and you Mine dust and you Mould Currently selected Oxidation-reduction potential.

Page last reviewed: 8 August Next review due: 8 August Home Common health questions Lifestyle Back to Lifestyle. Can damp and mould affect my health? Who's affected? Some people are more sensitive than others, including: babies and children elderly people those with existing skin problems, such as eczema those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy These people should stay away from damp and mould.

Home Allergies. Mould and your health. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What does mould look like How does mould affect health What causes mould to grow indoors Actions you can take to reduce mould Rental properties with mould issues Testing for mould in your home Where to get help. What does mould look like Mould is not always easy to recognise. How does mould affect health Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheeze, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions.

People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with: weakened immune systems allergies severe asthma chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases. You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about the effects of mould.

What causes mould to grow indoors Mould only grows when there is sufficient moisture on a surface or humidity in the air. Common causes include: leaky roofs and walls including and blocked gutters and downpipes leaky plumbing condensation from cooking, showering, clothes drying and from breathing inareas with poor air circulation eg cupboards and corners and furniture against uninsulated outside walls.

Avoid conditions encouraging mould growth, by using heat, insulation and ventilation. The cheapest and easiest way of reducing moisture and humidity levels is by ventilating a room by opening a door or window.

Use exhaust fans where available. Actions you can take to reduce mould The most important actions you can take to prevent mould in your home are those that minimise moisture. Use reverse cycle air conditioning and or mechanical dehumidification if available Ensure sufficient exhaust openings to the outside of the building if using evaporative cooling. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA high efficiency particulate air filter. Avoid placing mattresses on the floor or surfaces without adequate ventilation.