Mould General Information

More often than not mould presence can also be detected by an odour. When there is a musty, dank or rotting wood smell within a structure or building it is highly likely mould growth is occurring. However not all species of mould produce an odour, so it is possible for mould growth to occur within an inaccessible location without those accessing the building or structure being aware of its presence until health impacts begin to show.

Structurally speaking actively growing mould feeds on organic matter such as wood, paper, cardboard, fabrics and soap. As it feeds and grows, the mould gradually damages the surface, which can cause damage to the interior of a building.

Dangers of mould contamination

Early health impacts are another way to detect whether or not your building could be harbouring mould contamination. Part of the mould reproduction cycle is to release spores that become airborne and are invisible to the naked eye. When continued exposure to these mould spores occur health impacts will begin to show.

If you find yourself suffering from a running nose, blocked nose, irritation of the eyes or skin, suffering from respiratory issues such as continued wheezing or coughing including if you are asthmatic and are having an increased amount of asthma attacks. If you are suffering any one of these health impacts it could mean mould is present within your building and now causing damage to your health.

Health issues associated with mould spores:

• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Immune deficiencies
• Hypersensitivity
• Permanent respiratory problems
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung infection

Continued exposure to mould will lead to serious health implications for yourself and anyone else who is exposed including animals such as pets and may even develop mould infections of the lungs. In severe cases, lung cancer and liver cancer can develop, along with cardiovascular disease, permanent respiratory problems, immune deficiencies and hypersensitivity such allergies and autoimmunity whereby your immune response begins to target healthy cells and tissue. Those who are most vulnerable to mould-related illness include asthma sufferers, pregnant woman, infants and children, elderly people and those with a weakened immune system.