People
at Greatest Risk from Mould
The
following groups of people may be at greater risk than others
for mould:
- Infants
and children
- The
elderly
- People
with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory (breathing)
conditions
- People
with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV infection,
cancer patients taking chemotherapy, and people who have
received an organ transplant)
Any
person at risk from mould should not be in an area that is likely
to be contaminated with mould.
Possible
Health Effects of Mould Exposure
- Stuffy
nose, irritated eyes, or wheezing can occur in people who
are sensitive to moulds.
- Wheezing,
difficulty in breathing, and shortness of breath can be
an allergic reaction to mould and can sometimes be severe.
- Skin
reactions can develop.
- mould
infections can develop in the lungs of people with weakened
immune systems and with chronic lung diseases such as obstructive
lung disease.
Treating
Symptoms of Mould Exposure
If
you or your family members have health problems after exposure
to mould, contact your doctor or other health care provider.
Recognizing
Mould
You
may recognise mould by:
- Sight
( Are the walls and ceiling discolored, or do they
show signs of mould growth or water damage?)
- Smell
(Do you smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earthy
smell or a foul stench?)
Note:
Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor for
preventing mould growth.
-
Preventing
Mould from Coming Back
- The
key to preventing mould from coming back is to control moisture.
Mould spores are found in outdoor air, so mould can grow again
if conditions are suitable indoors. Previously damp areas
must be kept completely dry.
- Clean
fabrics (curtains, upholstery, bedding, etc.) often and keep them
dry.
- Store
clean fabric items in well-ventilated areas.
- Reduce
moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, open windows, or air conditioners,
especially in hot weather.
- Keep
the humidity in your home between 40% and 60%.Humidity in the
home can be measured with a household humidity sensor available
at your local hardware store.
- Reduce
condensation on cold surfaces by insulating. Examples include
insulating air-conditioning ducts, cold water pipes, etc.
- Routinely
check potential problem spots such as the bathroom and laundry
for moisture and mouldy odors.
- Fix
leaks in pipes, and investigate any damp areas around tubs and
sinks.
- Vacuum
and clean surfaces frequently.
- Seek
the advice of a mould remediation company if mould growth persists
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