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Damp and mould: why you should care!

MOULD REMEDIATIOIN
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MOULD PREVENTION
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MOULD INSPECTION
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TOXIC-FREE SOLUTIONS
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In Europe, an estimated 10–50% (depending on the country) of the indoor environments where human beings live, work, and play are damp. Too much moisture makes a home stuffy and gives it a faint odor. Humid walls create a coldness that makes more heating necessary and increases energy bills.

WHO is concerned about this situation because excessive dampness and mould are a threat to health. Occupants of damp or mouldy buildings are at increased risk of experiencing health problems such as respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, and some groups are especially vulnerable. Additional effort should be made to keep away from damp and mould babies and children, elderly people, those with existing skin problems, such as eczema, or respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma, and anyone who is immuno-compromised (e.g., chemotherapy patients).

On the other hand, WHO has demonstrated that remedial action works. For example, research shows that people living in well-insulated and adequately ventilated accommodation are less likely to visit their doctor or be admitted to the hospital due to respiratory conditions than those living in damp homes. This brochure provides practical tips for the public on how to tackle the core problem of excessive moisture (which can take the form of damp air, condensation on surfaces, and increased humidity levels in materials) and how to prevent mould growth, as well as how to clean up mould safely.

Practical tips on getting rid of damp and mould

Key message: Measures to prevent or reduce moisture are the main way to limit the development of mould (and any microbial) growth: Without water – no mould!

The three main actions are:

  • Detecting and locating the source of the moisture problem;
  • Removing the mould; and
  • Taking action to control excessive moisture and condensation.
This brochure begins with an introduction to measures to detect and locate a mould problem and then provides advice on the adequate measures to take if you are to tackle the mould damage yourself (do-it-yourself work). The important final section informs you about appropriate measures to prevent or reduce excessive moisture. It assesses causes of moisture, defines condensation and what to do to prevent it, and outlines what to do if problems persist.
If you have concerns about a health problem that may be related to humidity in your home, always contact your general practitioner.

1. Detecting and locating the source of the moisture problem

Key message: Moulds only grow when there is sufficient moisture. When mould appears, the first task is to try to establish where the moisture is coming from.
If your home is damp and possibly mouldy, you need to find out why. The question to answer, therefore, is: What is causing the moisture?

Major causes for excessive moisture are:

  • Leaking pipes, wastes, or overflows;
  • Rain seeping through the roof where a tile or slate is missing, spilling from a blocked gutter, penetrating around window frames, or leaking through a cracked pipe; and
  • Rising damp due to a defective damp-course or because there is no damp-course.
These causes of damp often leave a “tidemark” and you should have the necessary repairs carried out to remove the source of damp. If your house is newly-built it may be damp because the water used during its construction (e.g., plaster) is still drying out. If your home is damp for any of these reasons, it may take weeks of heating and ventilating (see section below: how to prevent condensation) to dry out. Hiring a dehumidifier may also help. When the source of moisture does not appear to be related to structural faults, leaks, rising damp, or the newness of the property, it is probably due to condensation (see below).

2. Removing the mould

Key message: After identifying and reducing/removing the moisture sources, the next step is to decide whether removing the mould from the affected areas is something that can be managed without professional help.

When the cause of the mould is related to building faults (leakages, etc.) and/or the mould is also present in the building structure and material, it is recommended to get professional help. In this case, it may be useful to consult a national or local source of information to guide you in your selection of a suitable contractor.

If mould growth is due to condensation and the mould area is less than 1 m² (i.e., 1 meter high by 1 meter wide or roughly 3 feet high by 3 feet wide) and is not caused by sewage or other contaminated water, you can probably manage the job yourself following these guidelines or some of those listed in the references, such as the guidelines of the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Many national institutes have also published guidance documents in national languages (see examples in French, German, and Spanish under “Further reading”).

Whether the job is undertaken by a contractor or yourself, care has to be taken to avoid personal exposure to microscopic mould spores and the spread of spores within the building. If you yourself are undertaking the task of mould removal, use a protective mask that covers your nose and mouth, wear goggles (without ventilation holes) to avoid getting mould or mould spores in your eyes, and protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves, preferably long ones.

Chemical disinfection and the use of biocides are not recommended as a routine practice for mould control as it may be toxic for the occupants. The application of disinfecting substances also does not solve the cause of the problem and therefore may provide more health risks than benefits.

Removal of mould-contaminated materials: a checklist

  • Have a big plastic bag ready to take away mildewed clothes, curtains, rugs, and carpets for cleaning. Consider replacing a mattress or soft toy that smells and feels damp.
  • The process of cleaning will release mould spores into the air. Open any windows but close doors tightly to help prevent the spores from being spread to other areas of the house. Leave the windows open during and after the cleanup activity.
  • Prepare a bucket of water, some mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid or soap used for hand-washing clothes, and some rags that can be thrown away after removing the mould.
  • Carefully wipe the mould off the wall surface with the soapy rag.
  • Do not brush the mould with a dry brush, as this will release more spores into the air.
  • Throw away the rags after use and carefully wash your hands.
When finished, give the whole area, including any possibly contaminated clothing, carpets, or other textiles, a thorough cleaning. Avoid breathing the dust from dry mould.

3. Taking action to control excessive moisture and condensation

Key message: Moisture can be caused by leaks, rising damp, or condensation. Tackling condensation means increasing ventilation and heating, and reducing moisture from activities like cooking and washing.
The most common cause of excessive moisture inside homes is condensation. Condensation forms when the air indoors can’t hold any more moisture and the water starts to settle on cold surfaces like windows, walls, mirrors, and even clothes. It often appears where there is little air movement, for example, in corners or behind wardrobes and cupboards. Condensation is more of a problem in winter, as the indoor temperature is low and external walls and windows are colder than the air inside.
  • Found in soils, leaf and plant litter, decaying vegetables and roots, bird droppings, tobacco, and stored sweet potatoes.
  • Concentration of spores in the air is relatively low compared to other moulds.
  • Associated with asthma, bronchitis, and conditions such as Farmer’s lung.

How to prevent condensation:

1. Produce less moisture

Some ordinary daily activities produce a lot of moisture quickly:
  • Cooking: To reduce the moisture, cover pans and do not leave kettles boiling.
  • Bathing: When bathing or washing, put cold water in the bath before hot to reduce steam, and use extractor fans if available.
  • Drying clothes: Dry clothes outdoors or, if using a tumble dryer, ensure it is vented to the outside.
  • Gas heaters: Avoid using gas heaters that are not vented to the outside as they produce a lot of moisture.

2. Ventilate to remove the moisture

  • Open windows or use extractor fans when cooking, bathing, or washing. Close the kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use to prevent moisture from spreading throughout the house.
  • Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes and avoid overfilling them. Position wardrobes and furniture against internal walls where possible.

3. Insulate and heat your home

  • Insulate the loft, walls, and windows to help keep the home warmer. However, adequate ventilation is still necessary, so do not block airbricks, chimneys, or vents.
  • Ensure heating is provided to all rooms. In cold weather, the best way to keep rooms warm and avoid condensation is to keep low background heat on all day.
If problems persist, consider professional advice on proper insulation and ventilation.

Further reading

For more detailed information and practical guides on mould and damp control, you may refer to:
  • WHO Indoor Air Quality Guidelines: Dampness and Mould
  • The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines
  • National institute publications in different languages (examples available in French, German, and Spanish)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/flooding-and-mould
worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/hazardous-exposures/biological-hazards/ managing-mould
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mould-removal-at-home
health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould-and-your-health.aspx

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