Mould Surveys

How Do Household Moulds Cause Health Problems?

Not all household moulds cause health problems. However, some mould spores contain allergens, and irritants and produce toxins which can cause health problems, especially when ingested or inhaled deep into the respiratory tract.

What Health Problems Are Related To Household Moulds?

Evidence to support a relationship between the presence of household mould or damp and an increase in the incidence of health problems such as fungal infections, respiratory illness, asthma and allergies is heavily documented.

Individuals with impaired immune functions such as the elderly, young children, cancer and HIV patients and patients who have received transplant organs are particularly susceptible to health problems caused by mould. As more and more of these patients are treated and rehabilitated in the home, it is increasingly important to ensure that secondary illnesses, such as those caused by mould exposure are prevented in these individuals

Respiratory Tract Disorders

Scientific studies have found that more than 80 species of fungi have been associated with respiratory tract disorders, where breathing in mould can cause bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and recurrent respiratory infections.

Children, especially preschool children exposed to mould have a significant increase in the risk of persistent cough and show significantly more episodes of common cold than children who are not exposed to mould.9 In addition, children living in damp homes display a 20-25% increase in upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Studies have shown that adults living in damp homes or homes with high levels of mould report an increased incidence of respiratory infections and symptoms such as rhinitis, sore throat, cough and the common cold.

Scientific evidence has shown that asthma is more prevalent among adults living in damp homes and that asthma is three times more common in adults with mould allergy.

Allergic Rhinitis

Fungal spores are generally recognised as important causes of respiratory allergies in both the lower and upper respiratory tracts, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. The household moulds Penicillium and Aspergillus are more closely associated with allergic symptoms and allergic sensation than the common outdoor moulds.

Research has shown that while asthma, allergies and respiratory problems are all significantly associated with indoor exposure to fungal spores, Penicillium is a risk factor for asthma and Aspergillus is a risk factor for atopy.

A study has established a link between incidence of allergies in atopic individuals and the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus commonly found in the soil of potted plants in the home.