Can Damp Cause Health Problems?

Occupants of damp or mouldy buildings are at increased risk of experiencing health problems such as respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma

. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, and some groups are especially vulnerable.

Can you get sick from moisture in house?

However,

too much humidity in the home can also make you sick or uncomfortable

. The excess moisture can result in mold and dust mites. This can be especially dangerous if you suffer from allergies and asthma. If you use a humidifier in the cold weather months, you also need to be aware of this danger.

How do you know if mold is making you sick?

Symptoms of mold exposure may include

headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue

. In those with asthma, asthma attacks can occur. In those with impaired immune systems, serious infection can occur.

Can damp affect your mental health?

In severe cases, damp and mould can also cause severe neurological symptoms which affect mental capacity and alter our physiological makeup

. Some of the neurological symptoms of the ingestion of mycotoxins from mould include confusion, dizziness, a ‘foggy’ brain, hallucinations, seizures and trembling.

What are the health effects of living in a damp house?

Occupants of damp or mouldy buildings are at increased risk of experiencing health problems such as

respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma

. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, and some groups are especially vulnerable.

How do you fix a damp wall?

Rising damp problems – The most popular solution is to

install a water repellent remedial damp proof course (DPC)

. This involves injecting a damp proofing cream into the mortar bed of the ground floor wall. After replastering the DPC is invisible.

What does mold poisoning feel like?

Each person’s body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience

constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression

. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.

How long does it take for mold to affect you?

These symptoms usually first appear

2 to 9 hours after exposure

and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.

How can I test myself for mold exposure?

Urine testing for mold

is one of the most popular ways to test for mold exposure, as elevated levels of uric acid and other organic acids may indicate exposure to mycotoxins. These tests should be performed in a sterile lab testing facility and the results analyzed by a trusted medical lab.

How can I tell if my house is making me sick?

The “immediate” symptoms of poor indoor air quality can often resemble a cold or allergies.

You can feel fatigue or dizziness and may frequently get headaches and experience eye, nose, or throat irritation

.

How do you know if your house is toxic?

1. Respiratory Symptoms – congestion, aggravated asthma or allergies, sinus infections.
2. Cognitive Issues – foggy thinking, sleep disturbance, frequent headaches.
3. Emotional Changes – feeling agitated or depressed.
4. Physical Symptoms – stomach discomfort, muscle aches, fatigue, rashes, sore throat.

What happens if you sleep in a damp room?

Sleeping in a damp, mouldy room is very dangerous. Research has shown that

people of all ages can be affected by mould – they can’t breathe properly while sleeping, have poor sleep quality, skin rashes, and many other problems, including hallucinations

!

Can you stay in a house with black mold?

Because of the risks that come with mold exposure,

it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold

, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold.

How do I get rid of damp?

1. Buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers draw moisture out of the air, so can be particularly useful if you often dry clothes inside the house – another common source of excess humidity. …
2. Ventilate your home. …
3. Check your gutters. …
4. Try damp-proof paint. …
5. Check for signs of rot. …
6. Be cautious of free damp surveys.

Can a damp house cause a sore throat?

Not only does damp look unpleasant, it smells and can even cause an allergic reaction.

Mould, which thrives in damp environments releases spores into the air and these can cause hay-fever-like symptoms – itch eyes, sore throat, runny nose.

How do you know if your room is damp?

1. A distinctive musty smell.
2. The appearance of mould or mildew on walls, floors or ceilings.
3. Walls, floors or ceilings that feel cold or wet.
4. Water droplets on walls.
5. Dark or discoloured patches on walls or plaster.
6. Lifting or peeling wallpaper from moisture in the walls.

Can you get rid of rising damp?

The most effective and economical way to treat rising damp is with a damp proofing injection cream

. You can choose between complete kits or individual cartridges of cream from leading brands such as Kiesol C and Aida. The cream is injected or hand-pumped into specially-positioned holes in the mortar course.

Does opening windows reduce damp?

Yes, opening windows can reduce damp issues, but it will only work if the air outside is dry and contains less moisture than inside

. Also, an open window will only deal with condensation problems and cannot cure rising or penetrating damp.

How much does it cost to fix damp in a house?

Can mold grow in your lungs?

It’s also possible for mold to form a ball in your lungs

. This condition is called aspergilloma when caused by an Aspergillus mold. The ball most often stays in your lungs but can lead to tissue damage. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up blood.

What health problems can mold cause?

Exposure to a large number of mold spores may cause allergic symptoms such as

watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue

. Repeated exposure to mold can increase a person’s sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions.