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Jan 15, 2024

Mould dangers to health as fungus can leave you 'fighting for breath' at home

Constant exposure to mould can cause a number of health issues. Get the latest

Constant exposure to mould can cause a number of health issues.

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Winter is a month where condensation can become rampant in homes, often resulting in the buildup of mould.

While many households in the UK live with the spores, constant exposure can negatively impact health, especially in vulnerable groups like children and older people with breathing problems.

An inquest on Tuesday found that a two year-old boy's death was a result of overexposure to mould at home. Toddler Awaab Ishak died in 2020 from a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged subjection to spores in his home that was "unfit for humans" in Rochdale, England.

But what exactly is mould? How does it form and when does it become dangerous? Here's what you should know.

Constant exposure to mould can cause a number of health issues, particularly for those who suffer from asthma or are allergic to spores. As mould contains allergens, touching it can produce a number of symptoms.

"Exposure to mould and damp can be very harmful to our lungs, as mould releases spores that can be breathed in, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, sneezing or watery eyes," said Dr Andy Whittamore, a GP and clinical lead at the charity Asthma and Lung UK.

Mould is seen more in the winter when temperatures drop and households keep heat on to stay warm. As well as allergic reactions, it can trigger asthma attacks in sufferers.

Dr Whittamore added: "Mould and fungi are a major trigger for asthma attacks and can worsen symptoms for those with other lung conditions, leave them fighting for breath.

"Babies, small children, older people and people with allergies are more likely to be affected."

Mould is a fungus which grows in damp places and it is mainly caused when condensation forms in the home.

When warm moisture in the air makes contact with a cool surface, this converts into condensation which, if left unattended, turns into mould spores.

This moist air can be caused by central heating, air drying clothes, cooking and even taking a shower. Mould can appear as either fuzzy black, brown or green patches on walls, especially in damp areas or where it smells musty.

It often becomes a problem in homes with poor ventilation or insulation, as there is nowhere to escape.

"There is a link between poor housing and asthma, because of things like mould and damp," explained Dr Whittamore.

"Mould and damp in houses are worse when temperatures drop in the winter, and cold and flu viruses, which can cause respiratory infections, can also thrive in colder temperatures and poorly ventilated, damp environments."

The first step to keeping mould out of your home is to ensure there is proper ventilation within to stop condensation forming. For many houses, this involves keeping windows open to let air escape.

But this doesn't exactly work in winter when temperatures are already cold. There are a number of DIY measures you can take to keep your homes dry in the colder months.

There are a number of moisture absorbing plants that reportedly help reduce condensation, including the peace lily, which sells for just £7 from B&Q.

A dehumidifier can also keep rooms dry, but it can be expensive to buy one for each room. Luckily, there are disposable moisture absorbers that can be bought for 83p each. All you have to do is hang them in moist places and they will suck up the damp.

Household items like salt and cat litter have also proven to be effective at absorbing damp vapour.

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