Damp and Mould: Essential Health Risks You Should Know

One of the joys of living in the UK is the wet weather and this year so far, we have had more rain than usual with very little sun. Aside from making us all miserable, the inclement weather is the ideal environment for damp and mould and this has health implications, which we highlight in this blog.

Respiratory issues

As you would expect in a humid environment, mould grows and mildew forms on the window frames, which releases spores into the air, making for a very unhealthy environment for all the occupants. Damp and mould produce allergens and spores that affect a person’s breathing, which can be fatal if not treated. Prolonged exposure can lead to asthma and other lower respiratory diseases; if you notice a musky smell around your home, now is the time to call London Damp Specialists on 020 8528 3864 and order a homebuyer damp survey.

Allergies & skin conditions

Skin rashes and eczema are aggregated by humid living space, while pathogens become airborne; respiratory infections are common in the winter months, while summer isn’t much different, aside from the temperature! It isn’t uncommon for one family member to start itching, which is likely caused by a damp bedroom and a survey reveals numerous damp issues that need immediate attention.

Mental health

Living in a damp environment can cause you to feel lethargic and depressed; if you don’t feel your best, take a look at walls, floors and ceilings, looking for damp patches and check all timber windows and doors, looking for signs of decay and mould. People who live alone in basements are most at risk, when damp takes hold, the change is subtle and if you are not observant, you can easily miss the signs. Weeks turn to months and if the flat has poor ventilation, mould and mildew will grow.

Damp prevention solutions

In order to prevent rising or penetrating damp, we recommend the following:

• Provide adequate ventilation – Either natural or mechanical, your home should be well ventilated with an effective airflow.
• Inspect the roof – You could get the ladders out but we recommend contacting a local roofer who offers a roof inspection, which includes checking for missing roof tiles, cleaning out the guttering and checking for leaks. More often than not, the tradesman recommends remedial work, which should be done in a timely manner. Blocked guttering will send water seeping down the exterior walls, which is a recipe for penetrating damp and the mould will follow.
• Heat the house – There are rooms that you rarely use and it makes sense to turn off the radiators in those rooms, to conserve energy, yet it wise to heat all rooms every day or two for at least 2-3 hours, which dries out the air and damp cannot evolve.

Instances of poor health due to damp and mould in the home are on the rise and if you suspect your home might have moisture issues, contact London Damp Specialists by filling out the online form or call 020 8528 3864 and arrange for a qualified damp surveyor to visit your home.