Mould in the home and your health

The ‘Homes, Health and Asthma in Australia’ report from Asthma Australia based on a 2022 survey revealed 50% of Australians have had mould or dampness in their home in the last 12 months, with one third (34%) specifically reporting mould in their home.

Whether you have asthma or not, any level of mould inside your home is considered unsafe.

Moisture is the cause of mould

Mould growth is caused by the presence of moisture. Factors such as temperature (warmth), poor ventilation, high humidity (above 70% is great for mould growth), condensation, leaking roofs or plumbing, flooding and even leaving humidifiers on can also contribute the rate and severity of mould growth in a home. Mould spores are present in the air almost everywhere. When mould spores settle on surfaces and the conditions are right, mould will grow.

To solve a mould problem you must first identify the source of the moisture.

Common causes of moisture and mould issues in the home

  • Leaking roofs or plumbing
  • Poorly ventilated roof spaces
  • Poorly ventilated bathrooms and laundries
  • Flooding
  • Positioning of home. Water prone area such as a flood plains make managing moisture much more difficult.
  • Lack of drainage around the home.
  • Planting garden beds up against the home.
  • Uncontrolled humidity entering the home.
  • Leaving your humidifier on.
  • Concrete slabs and footings in direct contact with ground absorbing moisture.
  • Inadequate or ineffective waterproofing
  • Thermal bridges between building materials where condensation occurs.

Mould health effects

Exposure to mould in you home can have various negative health effects. How serious or minor these health effects are will vary from person to person. Factors such as the type and amount of mould present, an individual’s sensitivity and how long they have been exposed will all play a part.

Some common health effects associated with mould exposure include:

  • Allergic Reactions (including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and skin irritation)
  • Asthma Exacerbation (worsened symptoms including coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing)
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Throat Irritation (sore throat)
  • Persistent Coughing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Skin Irritation
  • Rashes & Itching
  • Weakened immune systems
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Recurrent Colds & Flu
  • Chemical Sensitivity

A good question to ask yourself is, “Do I feel better when I’m away from home?

If you or anyone in your home is experiencing persistent or severe symptoms that you suspect are related to mould exposure, immediately consult with a healthcare professional.

Testing for mould

It is very common that a mould problem in a home can not be seen or smelt. Identifying hidden moisture and mould can be difficult and almost impossible for homeowners. That’s why professional mould and moisture testing is highly recommended especially when individuals who live in the home are experiencing symptoms and health care professionals are unable to identify the cause of the complaint. The testing process may include moisture mapping that uses moisture meters, air quality testing, dust and surface sampling, and thermal imaging cameras to identify hidden mould and moisture.

How to prevent mould

  • Control moisture levels
  • Fix water leaks
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Maintain a clean and dry environment.
  • Regular inspection and maintenance.
  • Use an air purifier
  • Have your air conditioner serviced regularly

How to clean mould

A severe mould problem in a home should be handled by a professional mould remediation company especially if yourself or someone in your home is suffering from any mould related symptoms.

To clean smaller less severe mould affected surfaces do the following…

  1. Don’t try to kill or bleach mould. It must be physically removed.
  2. Wear PPE. Gloves and a respirator is highly recommended.
  3. If possible, begin the drying process. Use dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners to reduce humidity and promote drying.
  4. When dry, vacuum all surfaces with a HEPA vacuum cleaner working gently and being mindful not to stir up the mould spores.
  5. Wipes all surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth and diluted dishwashing detergent.
  6. Vacuum areas again once they have dried.
  7. Discard all microfibre cloths, HEPA filter and disposable vacuum cleaner bag after the job is complete.

Important Note:

Bleach-based mould killers (are not really killers)

Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite, Chlorine) based mould killers and removers are ineffective at killing fungi. They are very effective however at killing bacteria but this doesn’t help. Bleach-based mould cleaning products provide more of a temporary cosmetic solution by bleaching the mould until the fungi recovers and becomes visible again.

Ozone treatment

Ozone can cause eye, nose and lung irritation. It is also ineffective at killing mould spores. Ozone can react with many VOCs to create more toxic chemicals and surfaces can be affected too.

Clove, thyme and tea tree essential oils

Some studies have shown clove, thyme and tea tree essential oils have antifungal properties. We do not recommend using clove thyme or tea tree essential oils for the cleaning of mould for a couple of reasons…

  1. Some essential oils may have an initial antifungal effect but the volatile component of the essential oil evaporates in a short period of time. What is left behind on the surface is an essential oil residue. This residue can hold nutrients that helps mould to grow.
  2. When using essential oils you should also consider the safety hazards especially in regards to skin contact. The amounts required for mould remediation can be toxic to children and sensitive or vulnerable individuals.

Will mould come back after effective treatment?

Mould spores are the reproductive particle of mould. They are always present and cant be 100% eliminated. But they can be reduced. Treating the moisture problem is the most important step in preventing mould from returning. If there is moisture or humidity mould will return.

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