How to Get Rid of Mould - Mistakes to Avoid How to get rid of mould - Mistakes to Avoid | Page 8

and over 64. Mould accumulates in damp and poorly ventilated buildings. Inhaling mould
fragments or spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest
tightness, and coughing and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor
dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma.
Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe
symptoms when exposed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a considerable
proportion of the world’s 300 million cases of childhood asthma are attributable to exposure to
indoor dampness and mould. People who live in damp and moldy homes are also at increased
risk of depression which, in turn, may increase the risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma.
The most infamous type of mould is “black mould” (Stachybotrys chartarum), which can grow
on water-damaged building materials and produce toxic spores. In 1994, it was linked to a
serious respiratory illness after ten children experienced idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis
(bleeding from the lung) and one subsequently died. But despite significant media interest and
public concern, a causal link was never established.
Who is at risk?
It’s commonly assumed that mould causes the health problems described above, though the
evidence for this is generally weaker than for dampness itself. This may be related to the fact
that scientists are still struggling to accurately measure indoor mould exposures. The WHO
estimates those in cold climates, 15% of dwellings have signs of dampness and 5% have signs of