What does mold do to you

People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with: weakened immune systems allergies severe asthma chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases. You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about the effects of mould. What causes mould to grow indoors Mould only grows when there is sufficient moisture on a surface or humidity in the air. Common causes include: leaky roofs and walls including and blocked gutters and downpipes leaky plumbing condensation from cooking, showering, clothes drying and from breathing inareas with poor air circulation eg cupboards and corners and furniture against uninsulated outside walls.

Avoid conditions encouraging mould growth, by using heat, insulation and ventilation. The cheapest and easiest way of reducing moisture and humidity levels is by ventilating a room by opening a door or window. Use exhaust fans where available. Actions you can take to reduce mould The most important actions you can take to prevent mould in your home are those that minimise moisture. Use reverse cycle air conditioning and or mechanical dehumidification if available Ensure sufficient exhaust openings to the outside of the building if using evaporative cooling.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA high efficiency particulate air filter. Avoid placing mattresses on the floor or surfaces without adequate ventilation. Vacuum, and or turn mattresses if it can be done safely. Increase air circulation around furniture by moving the furniture away from the walls. Rental properties with mould issues When a rental property has mould, the owner should fix any mould caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures, but the tenant should ensure that extractor fans are used when available and the home is aired regularly where possible.

Testing for mould in your home Where mould is visible, it is generally not considered necessary to test for it in the home. Where to get help If you or anyone in your family feels unwell, seek medical advice from your local doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 60 60 24 for health information and advice and in an emergency, always call triple zero Environmental health section of your local council Your insurance company Consumer Affairs Victoria 55 81 81 or for National translation service, Call this number ask to be put through to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Tenants Union of Victoria Tel. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all allergies. Related information. Support groups After a flood: animal and insect related hazards.

After a flood: mould and your health. After a flood: returning home safely. Wash or wipe porous surfaces and check regularly to see if mold has returned, as it can infiltrate these materials. If mold continues to reappear, consider disposing of these items.

Ask at the local hardware store about antifungal paints and other products that can help prevent mold from developing. However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, and especially lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment.

Others may experience allergic reactions. Keeping an indoor space clean, dry, and well ventilated is the best ways to prevent mold from developing. Anyone who has concerns about mold in the home, the workplace, or an educational or other setting should ask their healthcare provider or state health department for advice.

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Is mold in your house a problem? What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Vincent J. What is mold? Types How does it get into a house? Mold and health Prevention Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest Indoor mold growth is most likely to occur during the fall and winter months. Types of mold. How does mold get into a house?

Share on Pinterest Mold can attach itself to pets. Mold and health. Protection and prevention. Share on Pinterest There are a number of commercial products available to help remove mold. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable.

In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms. If you have a mold allergy, the best defense is to reduce your exposure to the types of mold that cause your reaction.

Medications can help keep mold allergy reactions under control. A mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:. Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. You might have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year.

You might notice symptoms when the weather is damp or when you're in indoor or outdoor spaces that have high concentrations of mold. If you have a mold allergy and asthma, your asthma symptoms can be triggered by exposure to mold spores. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Signs and symptoms of asthma include:. If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing or other bothersome symptoms that persist, see your doctor.

Like any allergy, mold allergy symptoms are triggered by an overly sensitive immune system response. When you inhale tiny, airborne mold spores, your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to fight them. Various molds are common indoors and outdoors. Only certain kinds of mold cause allergies.