The Health Effects of Mould in Your Home

If you have a damp or wet basement or crawlspace, there’s a good chance that there’s mould growth in your home.

Perhaps at certain times of the year, your home smells musty… or maybe you have even noticed a little mould growth on your wood furniture? While these two factors can affect the enjoyment of your home, the most significant aspect of mould in your home is how it affects your health.

We know from this article, that the air in your basement or crawlspace circulates throughout your entire house, whether there is a smell associated with the mould or not: you are breathing in every day.

Health Canada considers indoor mould growth to be a significant health hazard.

Damp conditions and mould growth in homes increases the risk of respiratory allergy symptoms and exacerbate asthma in mold-sensitive individuals. It is important to know how to identify, address and prevent moisture and mould in your home.

People living in homes with mould and damp conditions are more likely to have:

• • Eye, nose and throat irritation
  • Coughing and phlegm build-up
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • Worsening of asthma symptoms

The level of concern depends on the extent of mould, how long it has been present and the sensitivity and overall health of the residents. Some people are more susceptible than others. For example, infants, children, the elderly and those with health problems such as breathing difficulties are more at risk from mould and dampness.

Any respiratory health concerns should be discussed with a physician if you suspect that these could be caused by poor indoor air quality. Your physician is best suited to determine if your symptoms may be related to environmental factors or some other underlying cause.

Health Canada recommends controlling dampness indoors and cleaning up any mould regardless of the type of mould present.[1]

Unfortunately, mould in a home does not just go away on its own. It’s essential to determine the cause and fix the problem.

For more information on potential causes and identifying mould in your home, please visit this website. If you live in southwestern Ontario and believe the cause of mould in your home may be due to a damp or wet basement or crawlspace, please reach out to us for a free estimate for a permanent solution. 1-866-277-1277.