Most people will experience mould in their home at some point during their lifetime. It may be unsightly and annoying, but it’s nothing to panic about and doesn’t need to be an ongoing issue. When left to the experts, mould can be dealt with quickly and effectively.
Testing the indoor air quality in your home can help you prevent problems with mould or allergens. Here you’ll find out what to do if you find mould in your home, along with top tips and further information on air quality testing.
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungal species. It plays a vital role in the earth’s ecosystem by helping to break down organic materials. Some moulds even have beneficial by-products such as yeasts and penicillin.
Mould can be present virtually anywhere, and there are many different types. It can be found outdoors as well as indoors and can grow on materials such as food, fabrics, walls, carpets, furniture, timber etc. It grows best in damp or poorly ventilated areas and reproduces by making spores that are invisible to the naked eye.
What causes mould growth?
Mould growth happens when moisture is present in an environment with limited or no sunlight.
Some of the most common causes are roof leaks, damage to window frames, leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or on ground floors, lack of bathroom ventilation, and condensation.
When there is a water leak somewhere within a property, the signs of mould growth and water damage are usually present at the leak site. However, you’ll often find mould grows in areas where there are no leaks such as internal and external walls and ceilings. This type of mould is usually caused by condensation and high humidity levels.
Condensation is most prevalent in winter months but can happen at any time of the year given the right conditions. Condensations occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces.
For more information on the causes of mould, read here.
What does indoor air quality have to do with mould?
Generally, people spend a lot of time indoors, whether that is down to working in an office or other indoor space or just spending time at home. Therefore, the air in homes and workspaces must be clean enough for everyone to breathe.
If the air you are breathing is being compromised, your health could potentially be at risk. Breathing in poor quality air over a long period can lead to various health problems, which could impact your overall quality of life.
Active mould growth adversely affects the air quality in homes and other indoor spaces. In low levels, mould and mould spores are generally harmless. But if their levels increase, they can be harmful, especially for people who suffer with allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions.
Therefore, it is essential for people to be aware of their indoor air quality and understand how to get the air quality in their home tested.
If you’re worried about mould or the air quality in your home, book a free inspection today.
Why is it important to think about air quality?
The quality of the air inside homes often gets overlooked as the problem isn’t always visible. However, the air inside homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. By ensuring your home has the best air quality possible, you can vastly improve your health.
Mould pollutes the air. A small amount of mould in the bathroom or on food probably won’t pose a significant threat to your indoor air quality. But if the mould was to grow and spread, then it could become dangerous. Though mould isn’t always visible, it’s best to arrange an indoor air quality test with a professional company to give yourself peace of mind.
How can I test the air quality in my home?
There are various signs to suggest that the air quality in your home is poor.
Noticing an increase in allergy symptoms could be one of those signs. If you experience a few of the following symptoms regularly when you are in your home, you should take steps towards purifying the air in your home and getting your air quality tested:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Bloody noses
It’s also important to pay attention to any new or unusual health symptoms as this can also signify poor air quality.
You can sometimes tell your house has a mould problem if you see black spots developing on walls, ceilings, furniture, etc. You can also sometimes detect a mould problem by the scent it gives off. A house with mould will often have a musty smell.
Mould is a signifier of bad indoor air quality, if you notice mould in your home, contact a professional who will be able to help you with your problem.
There is always the option to purchase air purifiers and air quality, monitors. Air quality monitors can check for any issues such as dust particles, allergens, chemical pollutants, temperature issues, and humidity issues.
However, even though air quality monitors are reasonably priced, it is always best to contact a professional if you think you have a problem with the air quality in your home. Not only will they be able to confirm whether or not you have an air quality issue, but they will also be qualified to help you find a solution to the problem.
For any further information you need on getting rid of mould or testing the air quality in your home, contact Mould Cleaning Australia. They will be happy to book you in for a free expert mould inspection and talk to you further about how they can help you with your indoor air quality testing.
