Last month we looked at the early signs of damp and mentioned how it can impact your health, but how dangerous is damp for your health? This month we’ll talk about why damp is not only an issue for the structure of your building, but why it also can cause a range of health issues – from the mildly annoying to the more serious.
What are the health implications of living with damp?
It’s important to first understand what it is about damp that is so dangerous to us as humans. Damp is essentially moisture which shouldn’t be there – whether it’s rising damp or any other kind. Its existence leads to the production of mould spores in your home or property and it’s at this point that damp becomes dangerous to us.
Allergies
Those living with allergies such as pet or pollen allergies will likely be most susceptible to the impact of mould to their respiratory system. Mould spores which are inhaled will agitate the nose, eyes and throat.
The Impact: This may result in a mild bout of sneezing or it could cause a more serious allergic reaction which begins to shut down the respiratory system.
Skin Irritation – Just as an allergic reaction can take route in the respiratory system, so too can it irritate the skin. Contact with mould spores from damp can cause itchiness and will no doubt exacerbate those living with eczema.
The Impact: From a subtle itch with seemingly no cause to unbearable skin irritation, the impact depends on how susceptible and sensitive your skin is to irritation.
Toxicity – Where there is an issue with damp and condensation, the mould spores can create toxic substances dangerous to humans and animals. Black mould is a general term, but the three most common types we come across are Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium. This would require the ingestion of mould spores, so anyone tackling mould is advised to wear adequate protection and contact a specialist to access where the moisture is coming from and how best to eradicate it.
The Impact: It’s believed the impact of toxic mould could be wide-ranging. The poisonous substance has been said to have an impact both neurologically as well as internally with the immune system and gastrointestinal system – this is usually a very extreme issue, however.
The risk of physical injury
On top of mould impacting your health, damp can also present a more noticeable physical risk related to your timber. If your property is suffering from damp, whether it be due to a lack of airflow in wooden flooring or a rising, penetrating damp, your timber could be at risk. When timber reaches a higher than acceptable moisture level, rot begins to form – this can be wet or dry rot. Once this happens, the structural integrity of your timber is compromised and can become unsafe.
Who is most at risk from health issues due to damp?
As with most health risks, it’s babies, young children and the elderly who are going to be susceptible to developing irritation and allergies to mould spores caused by damp. Likewise, those who already have allergies and existing health problems like eczema and asthma will find their condition exacerbated by the presence of mould.
With this in mind, it’s important to protect these people from mouldy and damp living conditions.
Can damp affect your mental health?
We’ve looked at the obvious, physical signs of the impact mould has on your health, but what about mental health?
Mental health charity Mind found that almost four in five people felt their housing situation played a part in making their mental health worse. Clearly, discovering damp in your home could be a contributing factor in your mental health, presenting another issue to deal with – especially if you’re unsure where to turn.
As humans, we like to be in warm, safe and comfortable places, so it would stand to reason that anyone living in cold and damp conditions would feel less happy. Discovering damp and mould is certainly unlikely to help anyone who is already experiencing mental strain in other areas of life.
What can be done about damp and mould?
It’s the mould which is most dangerous to your health, but it’s often a damp issue which brings about large amounts of the stuff. You can put on protective gloves, eyewear and masks to try and wipe away the mould, but if the conditions are right for growth, it will come back.
At British Damp Proofing, we’ve been helping to rid properties of damp across Lincoln, Horncastle, Skegness and beyond since 1970. We’re the damp proofing specialists and can help you make your home a safe, comfortable place to live again. If you’re looking for expert advice and professional service, don’t hesitate to contact us today.