There are several causes of rising damp and mould at home or a workplace, including waterproofing issues, living in a humid climate, and the general ageing of materials. Most buildings or homeowners do not pay attention to the problem of rising damp and mould surrounding their interior walls. However, this issue should be addressed at the earliest as it can raise many health concerns. Here are some of the common health issues caused by rising damp and mould.
Quality of Air
Mould and other fungi can easily grow in damp indoor areas. According to the Parliament of Australia, it can affect the quality of the air you breathe in and has the potential to cause allergy-type symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, itching, and having a runny nose or chest congestion. However, a thorough medical diagnosis will be required to conclude the exact cause of allergies.
If mould and other substances continue to affect your health, it is necessary to remove and prevent rising damp for immediate treatment.
Infection
The risk of developing bronchitis and respiratory infections can be increased if you tend to spend a significant amount of time in damp places. Other fungal infections can be caused by mould and damp, such as aspergillosis. According to Better Health, this condition can be more severe for people who have asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is typically caused by prolonged exposure to mould. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are possible illnesses caused by COPD; however, some people might even suffer from both conditions. It affects the lungs and destroys the air sacs, which disrupts the outward airflow in the body. It is important to immediately get rid of any dust, mould, dampness, or any other fungi at home to prevent COPD.
Immunocompromised Immune system
Immunocompromised is a term used when the immune system gets weaker and stops functioning up to its full capacity. Our immune system is made up of various cells that are responsible for fighting off bacteria and other harmful microbes. When this system is compromised, it stops functioning properly and allows various illnesses to take over. Rising damp and mould accumulated at home can be one of the causes of an immunocompromised immune system.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a condition that attacks the respiratory and digestive systems. This happens when thick and sticky mucus builds up in parts of the organs, causing them to function incorrectly. The organs that are most at risk include the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines.
The health risks of mould and rising damp are far greater than what some people might perceive. Exposure to large amounts of mould for prolonged periods of time can cause severe reactions. For more information, please visit our website or contact us here.