According to Asthma Australia, the homes of as many as 50% of Australians had mould or dampness issues in 2022, with the presence of mould in particular reported by one-third. Mould exposure can lead to a number of health issues and allergic reactions in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals. If you are wondering if mould testing is truly necessary, check out these 7 health risks linked to long-term mould exposure.
What Health Risks are Posed by Prolonged Mould Exposure?
Here are the health issues caused by long-term mould exposure that you should be aware of.
1. Respiratory Infections
Chronic exposure to indoor air pollutants, especially mould, can lead to respiratory issues. You may start showing symptoms like persistent coughing and wheezing. You may also experience shortness of breath. Studies found that mould has a moderate but statistically significant association with respiratory infections and even bronchitis.
Mould spores are able to trigger a sensitive immune response in humans. This is what causes the persistent coughing. You may also start producing whistling sounds when you breathe. Moreover, exposure to mould can also cause inflammation of the airways of your lungs. This is why it is important to perform mould testing in damp indoor spaces.
2. Development or Exacerbation of Asthma
Damp indoor environments promote the growth of moulds. Prolonged exposure to the moulds can lead to asthma. And if you already suffer from the condition, exposure to mould can significantly exacerbate it. You will feel the development or intensification of symptoms like coughing and chest tightness.
When children are exposed to mould, the chances of developing asthma are particularly high. Moreover, spores released by moulds can also trigger certain symptoms in people with mould allergies. The symptoms are mostly asthma-like, with inflamed airways and restricted breathing.
3. Allergic Rhinitis
Exposure to mould can also lead to hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It is an allergic reaction to moulds or other allergens. The symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and frequent and repeated sneezing. You will experience symptoms similar to a mould allergy.
You may also experience symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and postnasal drip. Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens like mould spores. Hence, it is always recommended to address indoor dampness and perform mould testing, even if you are a healthy individual.
4. Fungal Infections
Although fungal infections from moulds are rare in healthy individuals, studies indicate that certain moulds can lead to serious and even fatal opportunistic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
If you are someone who has cancer or HIV, or has undergone organ transplantation or chemotherapy recently, you are likely immunocompromised. As a result, potentially harmless mould spores and fungi can grow uncontrollably in your body. Fungal infections from mould spores will mainly affect your lungs and sinuses, and sometimes other organs.
5. Fatigue and Headaches
Studies indicate that exposure to mould can lead to chronic fatigue. Studies also found a link between mould exposure and headaches. This is due to the effects of volatile organic compounds and mycotoxins on the nervous system.
Health research indicates that the volatile compounds can irritate your lungs and eyes, which can manifest in neurological symptoms like headache. Mould exposure also results in inflammation and the dysregulation of the immune system. This is a driver of cognitive and neurological issues.
The symptoms can go beyond headaches and fatigue. You may also experience brain fog, dizziness, and nausea. Many also report issues like memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. Children, elders, and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to the neurological effects.
6. Irritation of Skin
Allergic reactions to mould spores can result in hives and rashes. You will notice itchy, welts, or red bumps on your skin. These symptoms are also due to the immune system responding to potentially harmless mould allergens.
Contact through skin or inhalation of airborne spores can trigger the allergic reactions. Those who experience the issue often have to resort to medications like antihistamines to find relief. This is why if you doubt mould growth in your property, you should seek professional remediation services.
7. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Repeated inhalation of airborne organic particles, including mould spores, can cause immune-mediated lung conditions known as hypersensitive pneumonitis. When susceptible individuals are exposed to the spores, an inflammatory response is triggered in their lungs.
If you don’t address the issue on time, you will risk persistent lung damage. Research also shows that if hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by mould is not treated, it can lead to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. This should be enough reason for you to perform mould testing in your damp indoor environment.
How to Minimise Mould Exposure?
Here are some steps you can take to reduce mould exposure.
- Control indoor moisture levels by using air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and ventilation systems.
- Fix any leak and dry out the wet spots and spills within 48 hours to prevent the growth of mould.
- Improve air circulation in your house using fans, open windows, and air vents.
- Get your HVAC systems and air purifiers annually inspected and serviced, and regularly change the filters to trap spores.
- Maintain the cleanliness of your indoor space by using mould-killing solutions and removing mouldy materials.
- Perform professional mould testing of the damped spaces and suspected areas to detect surface mould growth and airborne spores.
- Seek remediation services near you for safe, efficient, and complete removal of mould from your property.
Ready for Remediation Services to Reduce Mould?
Mould exposure can lead to more than 7 different health issues and symptoms. While immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to the health risks, severe symptoms can also be experienced by healthy Australians. Additionally, even the mild symptoms can be extremely discomforting. Hence, performing mould testing upon suspecting mould growth is important, especially for damp indoor spaces. Mould assessment by professionals will help you confirm the presence of surface growth and airborne spores. So, get your indoor space assessed by an environmental remediation service provider near you today!
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