Mould Spores

Moulds exist everywhere in nature, including black mould, toxic mould, fungus mould, and slime mould. Mould spores are a common component of household and accomodation facility dust. However, when mould spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions, asthma and respiratory problems.

Moulds reproduce through tiny “spores” which are invisible to the naked eye. Indoor environments with mould problems may contain up to 1,000,000,000 spores per cubic metre of air. Mould likes to grow in moist areas and feed on a variety of sources including house plants, furniture, mattresses, floors, carpet, tiles – just to name a few.

As mould grows, it eventually reaches the stage to where it distributes spores which becomes airborne after disturbance such as through an air conditioning system or vacuuming inside the home.

Mould spores, likened to fungus seeds, can float in the air and then grow where they settle. It is a significant potential problem in homes where there is persistent dampness and high relative humidity levels. Dampness in the home is not only associated with mould spores, but also increases the levels of house dust mites and cockroach infestations.

Mould spores are dangerous to our health because apart from being allergenic, spores of some mould species such as Stachybotrys contain toxic compounds called mycotoxins. Symptoms associated with mould spores may include sneezing, runny and or blocked nose, unable to stop coughing, excessive phlegm in throat and postnasal drip. Other symptoms include joint pain, asthma and even depression. Those most at risk include the elderly, the very young, the sick and those with exacerbated allergies or asthma.

Mould growth is associated with moisture problems and mould spores are extremely difficult to get rid of completely. However, mould growth can be controlled in our homes and offices which will reduce the number of spores in the air. The best advice is to keep your home or office as dry as possible with a low relative humidity of under 65% such as with dehumidifier hire – from only $100.

Mould is caused by a build up of moist air in rooms that have poor ventilation, or in places that are permanently humid and damp. Dampness in the home can be caused by a variety of factors including location, orientation, and poorly maintained external building structure.

High relative humidity can be caused by a combination of inadequate ventilation and water vapour condensation on cold surfaces such as windows in bathrooms and kitchens as well as the inside surface of external walls such as basements and below ground floor levels. The damaging affects of humidity in the home include damp patches on walls causing wood work and plaster work to be damaged, wallpaper to peel. Dehumidifier hire can provide welcome relief when you need it most.

Most common mould spores are those relating to Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. which grow well wherever the air reaches more than approximately 70% relative humidity.

Mould can cause serious health problems, triggering respiratory and hayfever like symptoms. You may find that you start sneezing or wheezing when you go into a basement or damp room with old, stored papers and clothes, you are possibly reacting to mould spores. This is because airborne mould spores are very tiny, enabling them to easily invade delicate membranes of the nose and upper respiratory tract.

Mould removal is extremely crucial in protecting you and your family’s health. Improve indoor air quality standards with dehumidifiers for sale Australia wide. Further mould and allergy relief, stop and prevent mould in cupboards and wardrobes with Dampp Chaser storage dehumidifiers and natural damp rid products such as zeolite Australia wide poviding natural ways to kill mould and prevent mould spores growth in the future from the source.

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