Why delaying mould removal from properties can cause serious health risks
Studies show that mould spores can be a major trigger for asthma. Asthma affects the airways in the lungs and can cause coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Around 5.4 million people in the UK are currently being treated for the condition.
The UK is particularly prone to indoor mould because of the cold, damp weather, and because many buildings are old and poorly insulated. The most common places for mould to grow inside houses are flooring, wallpaper, behind wall tiles and around window frames. Mould can be white, black, yellow, blue or green. It may have a velvety, fuzzy or rough appearance, and is usually accompanied by a musty, stale smell.
How does mould affect asthma?
Mould releases spores into the air, which cause an allergic reaction in certain people. While the majority of people reject these spores by sneezing or coughing, those with asthma may experience a worsening of their symptoms.
Around 3-4% of all people and 10% of people with allergies are affected by mould spores. If you experience cold-like symptoms that don’t clear up when the seasons change, you may have a mould spore allergy.
Those most at risk include:
- Babies and children
- The elderly
- People with skin problems, such as eczema
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with asthma
Mould prevention
Those with asthma should check for water leaks under sinks, fridges, dishwashers and washing machines, as well as around the toilet, bath, shower and hot water tank. Keep the house well ventilated by regularly opening windows, and using extractor fans when cooking or showering. Clothing should be dried outdoors where possible.
How to get rid of mould
If you have mould in your home, don’t try to remove it yourself. Doing so can release vast amounts of spores and toxins into the air, exacerbating asthma and other conditions. You will need to enlist the services of a professional firm such as Rainbow International to deal with the problem.
Depending on the severity of the problem, Rainbow will clean and sanitise the affected areas, making sure the appropriate antimicrobial treatments are used. It will remove plaster or wood where contamination is severe and use an air sterilisation unit to kill spores. We will also install drying equipment and ventilation systems if appropriate to help eradicate the cause and not just the problem, and even redecorate where necessary.
If you would like to know more about our mould removal and mould remediation services, contact your local Rainbow branch or call the Rainbow helpline on 01623 422488.
Rainbow International has a network of more than 70 multi-personnel, multi-vehicle franchises. The network also provides fire damage restoration, flood restoration and accidental damage restoration and specialist commercial cleaning services to domestic and commercial clients. It is used by the UK’s top insurance companies and all major loss adjusters as well as many commercial organisations.
Source: Asthma and Lung UK