Mould: how toxic is it?

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a lot of discussion and increased awareness around the harmful effects of mould lately?

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in dark, damp environments, including our homes. Sometimes it is obvious and visible on walls, carpets and ceilings, but it’s not always visible, often originating in concrete slabs, gardens and wall cavities.

Mould can grow and thrive as a result of the following:

• Condensation issues
• Plumbing, gutter or roof issues allowing moisture to penetrate inside the building
• Building on a flood plain or above a water course
• Poor drainage around the home
• Building into a hill, on or at the bottom of a hill
• Garden beds butting up against the house
• Living in humid areas (consistently above 70 per cent relative humidity)
• Absent or insufficient water proof barriers in the wet areas of the home
• Insufficient subfloor ventilation
• Damage to the damp proof course
• Metal framed homes creates thermal bridges (condensation occurs)
• Concrete slab has not yet cured and is consequently releasing tonnes of moisture into the indoor air, and
• Water damaged timber used to build a home (or was left out in the rain during construction)

What is the effect on us you ask? Well 24 per cent of the population cannot create antibodies to mould.

Which is why two people living in the same house can seemingly have very different reactions.

Some individuals may suffer greatly including recurrent respiratory infections and congestion, fatigue likened to chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, immune suppression and poor sleep. Others have no ill effects.

Some questions to ponder if you think mould may be affecting you:

• Do you feel better once you leave your house?
• Unexplained rashes?
• Onset of symptoms since moving into your current house?
• Waking exhausted despite adequate sleep?
• Can you see visible mould in your home?

Are you or other family members getting sick a lot? Chest infections or onset of asthma?

What can you do? Well firstly, it needs to be established if mould is present. A building biologist is a great person to call on. The mould needs to be cleared. Properly! Bleach is ineffective, Clive oil can help but often the amount required to kill all of the mould is toxic in itself.

Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter, also great for dust mites and other air borne irritants.

If you are highly suspicious that mould is affecting your health, seek professional advice. There are some wonderful practitioners that specialise in mould illness.

You can find them, and lots more information on mould and other building related illness and irritants on this wonderful website buildingbiology.com.au.

Bec Winkler is a naturopath with more than 10 years’ experience. She works at the Chiropractic Centre, Jan Juc.