How Cleaning Mould Can Harm Your Health

0

Upon first spotting the tell-tale signs of mould in your home, you may be tempted to reach for your store-bought, “mould-busting” solution, unaware of the health risks you could be exposing yourself to. Without the proper equipment and cleaning formulas, you may in fact be aggravating the situation rather than helping to resolve it.

For a deep and lasting clean, it is highly recommended that you get in touch with your local mould removal service, who will take the necessary steps to remove the mould and treat the air.

With extensive industry experience, the knowledgeable team at Mould Removal London have you covered. Below, they have prepared a succinct breakdown of the health risks associated with mould, as well as helpful ways you can safely manage mould in your household.

Mould 101: Mycotoxins and more

Mould is a broad term for naturally occurring fungi, which serve an important purpose in nature breaking down outdoor organic waste. However, certain types of mould, for instance black mould, also thrive indoors. 

While mould is relatively harmless outside, under the right conditions it can quickly take root and spread. Mould thrives in warm, humid areas with poor ventilation, with bathroom areas being prime areas for growth. 

As it establishes itself, mould releases mycotoxins, or spores, which are carried through the air to other parts of your home. This is one of the main reasons why it is difficult to effectively eliminate mould without the proper equipment. 

Cleaning the visible area of mould disturbs these spores, releasing them into the air, only for them to settle and spread once again.

The harmful effects of mould exposure 

While mould is unpleasant to look at, it can also be a cause for concern regarding the health of those living in the property. Numerous research studies have linked mould exposure with a variety of health issues, including coughing, fatigue, nausea, and a range of other upper and lower respiratory problems.

Mould exposure is particularly dangerous for those who already have pre-existing respiratory issues and for those with a compromised immune system.

How to safely manage mould in your household

A proactive approach is the best defence against mould establishing itself in your home. You should aim to keep humid areas well-ventilated, such as opening windows in your bathroom or switching on the extractor fan for a few extra minutes after having a shower.

You can also attempt to clean small, isolated patches of mould before they turn into a larger issue. Be advised however that even smaller patches can be difficult to remove for good without specialist cleaning equipment.

Mould also thrives in areas with a lot of clutter, so ensuring your space is clean and tidy goes a long way to help prevent mould. The rapid growth of mould in cluttered spaces can drastically reduce indoor air quality and affect the health of those living there. 

If you struggle with a hoarding disorder, you may be at an increased risk of mould exposure. In order to effectively tackle the clutter, mould and other biological growth, we highly recommend arranging a hoarder cleaning service from licensed cleaning professionals.

Summing up:

It is important to understand the health risks associated with mould and mould clean-up before attempting it for yourself. To successfully eliminate all traces of mould from your property, we recommend getting in touch with the friendly team at Mould Removal London, who will be happy to answer any questions or queries that you may have.