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Understanding and Managing Mould

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About Mold

Mould spores are prolific everywhere. They include the black mould that forms on window frames and others that are found on decaying food; also mushrooms and fungi that grow wild. Exposure to mould is widespread, so it is difficult to determine how much mould an individual is exposed to in everyday life. Like dust allergens, mould allergies are perennial and allergic people exhibit symptoms throughout the year, although levels rise in the autumn, during wet, mild weather and harvesting.
Understanding and Managing Mould

Moulds release spores, and it is these spores that cause allergic reactions in people. Spores are microscopic particles released by moulds in their thousands into the atmosphere. Spores contact skin and nasal and bronchial membranes, causing symptoms such as rhinitis, itchy eyes, eczema, and, most importantly, asthma. Several well-known conditions, such as Farmer’s lung and Sauna-taker’s lung, are caused by mould allergy.

Moulds favour damp, musty conditions; therefore, piles of rotting leaves, grass cuttings, compost heaps, and garden sheds are prime environments for mould growth. Indoor moulds can be found on food that is going off, such as the black and white fur that is found on cheese, bread, fruit, and vegetables. The refrigerator is a key mould environment if not adequately cleaned and dried, particularly around the seal. Other types of mould can be found on window frames, especially when there is a lot of condensation on the windows, under wallpaper, and on the soil of houseplants. Likewise, the damp environment caused by tumble dryers and baths and showers make the kitchen and bathroom danger zones.

Health Effects of Mold

Health-related reactions in people depend on mold type, the amount and duration of exposure, and individual characteristics. Events, such as floods or leaky pipes, can lead to mold growth indoors and to public concern about potential health effects. Researchers have discovered relationships between some mold exposures and human health. Although not all species of molds have been studied, scientists have discovered health effects in people exposed to moldy environments. The World Health Organization, National Academy of Medicine, and National Toxicology Program (NTP) all confirm that occupants of damp, moldy buildings have an increased chance of respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath and worsening asthma.

Common Moulds

The moulds most commonly associated with everyday modern living are found most of the year and in similar places. The most common moulds are as follows:

Penicillium Notatum

  • Widely distributed in soils and can also be isolated from decaying vegetables and leaves.
  • Found on stored cereals and hay.
  • In a house, this mould is the green-blue mould found on stale bread, fruits, and nuts and is used in the production of blue/green mouldy cheese.
  • Present all year round, with concentrations peaking during winter and spring.
  • Associated with indoor allergy.

Cladosporium Herbarum

  • The most frequently encountered mould in the air.
  • Indoor concentrations of the spores reflect the outdoor concentration as this mould is easily transported through the air.
  • Levels rise in the spring and peak in late summer and autumn.
  • Common coloniser of dead plants and soil.
  • Frequently found on uncleaned refrigerators, foodstuffs, window frames, straw, houses with poor ventilation, and in damp areas.
  • Also isolated from fuel tanks, face creams, paints, and textiles.
  • Primary source of mould allergy.

Aspergillus Fumigatus

  • 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.

Alternaria Alternata

  • Found in soils, foodstuffs, and textiles.
  • Common habitats include rotten wood, composts, bird’s nests, and forest plants.
  • Black spots on tomatoes and other foods are attributed to this mould.
  • Generally considered an outside mould and appears when conditions are warm.

Trichophyton Rubrum and Pityrosporum Orbicculare

  • Yeasts that live within the skin in certain types of eczema.

How to Avoid Moulds

Moulds are prevalent throughout our environment. Most people associate mould with damp walls and similar extreme situations. The fact is that we are all exposed to moulds to varying extents in our everyday activities. The following measures will help minimize contact with moulds:

Avoiding Indoor Moulds

  • Ventilation: Moulds flourish in damp environments, so one of the best ways to prevent their growth is ventilation.
  • Avoid damp basements, compost piles, fallen leaves, cut grass, barns, and wooded areas - or wear a face mask if these places or things are unavoidable.
  • Thoroughly clean the kitchen, bathroom, and utility room, with subsequent ventilation of these areas. Pay particular attention to walls behind kitchen units and cupboards; the lack of ventilation often means that excess mould grows in these areas.
  • Open windows and close internal kitchen and bathroom doors when cooking, showering, or bathing to prevent steam from entering other rooms. Keep bathroom surfaces dry. Do not hang wet clothes inside or over radiators.
  • Do not let food decay. Clean and thoroughly dry problem areas such as refrigerator seals.
  • Clean mould from window frames and dry condensation.
  • Do not hang clothes in damp cupboards or pack clothes too tightly in wardrobes. Leave wardrobe doors ajar to ventilate the clothes.
  • Make sure that your tumble dryer is vented outside during use, or use a condenser-dryer. Try not to dry damp clothing indoors.
  • When showering or cooking, keep internal doors closed to prevent damp air from spreading through the house. Use extract fans and cooker hoods vented outside.
  • Get rid of old foam pillows and mattresses.
  • Do not bring in damp wood for the fire. Avoid burning wood inside that has been kept in a damp shed.
  • Strip wallpaper from damp walls. Tackle any areas of dampness on walls, etc.
  • Remove piles of old newspapers.
  • Keep houseplants to a minimum and change the soil regularly.
  • Do not use humidifiers.
  • If using a dehumidifier, the ideal indoor humidity is 50-55%. Empty and clean the reservoir regularly.
  • Avoid using paraffin heaters and bottled gas heaters - they generate large amounts of moisture.

Avoiding Moulds Outdoors

  • Do not spend time in buildings where hay or grain is stored.
  • Do not go into damp and musty buildings.
  • Avoid cutting grass, raking leaves, and turning compost heaps. Do not walk in the woods in mild, damp conditions or among rotting leaves.
  • Avoid country areas during harvesting, particularly when sunny and windy.

Protective Measures

  • Allergy bedding covers protect you from mould spores within the mattress, pillows, and duvets.
  • Filter facemasks, like those worn by cyclists, trap spores.
  • Mechanical ventilation systems can remove spores.

Chemical Solutions

  • Solutions are available that eradicate moulds and deter their growth on windows, bathrooms, and refrigerators, and their use is recommended. Avoid those in spray form and use liquids instead.
  • For severe mould infestation, contact the environmental health department of your local authority for advice and assistance.

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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