I came across a frightening statistic recently – around 40% of homes in the UK, Canada and across the EU are infected with damp and toxic mould.If you’ve moved home lately chances are you’ll have encountered at least one nightmare property infested with mould.But there’s a real lack of awareness about the problem.It’s very common not to even be able to see damp at first – it often hides in corners, behind wallpaper and even in the walls. 

Health issues
Scientific studies have shown damp to cause serious health problems.  Most common are allergic reactions and flu-like symptoms like sneezing, sore eyes, coughing and wheezing.  But a recent study also showed it can cause asthma in children and certainly make things work for asthma sufferers.You can also develop quite severe respiratory problems as a result of damp.  Another recent study even revealed a connection between mold and depression! 

Causes
You may be wondering, how this stuff manages to infect your home?  Well the first thing to say is a bit of mould is entirely normal and can be found everywhere.  But the real problems occur when it is allowed to spread and develop fungal spores.  Mould builds up as a result of too much humidity in the air combined with a lack of proper ventilation for the moisture to escape.Humidity in the house can come from a range of everyday activities, like taking a shower, using the dryer and cooking.However it needs to escape somewhere!Inadequate ventilation sometimes occurs because builders don’t take care to properly damp proof a new house.Often there aren’t sufficient air vents in a property.Consider all the measures we take these days to keep heat in and cut energy bills – this often also keeps in the moisture.

Prevention is better than cure
With all the problems associated with mold all of us should be concerned with preventing it. This is true even if your home doesn’t have any damp.If it does appear and spread, getting rid of it can be a real headache.  Here are some top tips on how to avoid damp buildup in your home or workplace:

 

  1. Dry up any build up of condensation you notice around the house within 24-48 hours.  Remember, mould can’t grow without moisture.
  2. Ensure that you get proper ventilation in the building to give moisture an escape route.Aside from air vents, something as simple as opening a window after taking a shower can help.
  3. Consider getting insulation put in on cold surfaces prote to attracting condensation – such as piping, windows and roofs.
  4. It’s well worth considering investing in one of the many dehumidifiers out there to remove moisture from the atmosphere.  Certain portable air conditioners also do the job, with the added bonus of keeping you cool in the summer.
  5. Be aware of your legal rights.Once mold problems get serious they can cause serious problems that could cost you a lot. Get on the phone to your home insurers and find out if they cover damp problems. Tenants should push their landlords to have a professional damp inspector visit and assess the house.