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Unfortunately, there are a number of people living with damp in their home without noticing and it’s having an impact on their day to day lives. Not only is damp damaging to your long term health, but it can also create an unpleasant atmosphere. There are a variety of health risks linked to damp and mould in the home, many of which can be avoided by taking a few simple steps. You want your kids to grow up in a healthy, safe and non-toxic environment, so it’s important to look out for some key signs in your home. Protecting yourself and your family from damp is possible, but first let’s explore what damp actually is.
What is Damp?
When there is an excess amount of moisture in a building, damp can quickly build up. Damp can either be formed from the inside of a building from condensation or it can penetrate from moisture outside. Damp which forms on the inside of your home can often be due to poor ventilation and poor heating systems. Once a damp and humid area is formed mould can begin to grow, which can lead to even more hazardous problems.
Damp Proofing Solutions
Luckily, there are a number of ways to protect your home from damp. You can implement some safety precautions by yourself and prevent damp from becoming an issue, or you can invest in professional damp proofing solutions. Not only will this give you complete peace of mind, but you can also save a lot of money in the long run by preventing damp before it causes significant damage to your home.
Respiratory Issues Due to Damp and Mould
When you start to notice damp in your home, there’s also a high possibility that mould exists in the same place too. Unfortunately, there are a number of health risks when it comes to being exposed to mould, especially to young children. It can cause an array of respiratory problems, including a tight chest, wheezing and coughing. A general respiratory issue can also lead to more complicated and chronic infections if you’re exposed for a long period of time.
Even if you don’t feel particularly ill, you may notice any number of the following symptoms including fevers, coughing, a sore throat, sneezing or pressure behind your eyes and nose. Prolonged exposure to mould has also been linked to asthma cases, and it can trigger more serious attacks if you’re already a sufferer.
Skin Conditions Caused By Damp and Mould
As well as causing a multitude of breathing issues, your skin can also be adversely affected by damp and mould in your home. If you notice unusual skin rashes or allergic reactions, this could be due to the presence of damp or mould in your home. Those suffering from eczema and acne may also find that their conditions worsen when exposed to damp or mould for a prolonged period at home. If your skin becomes red, cracked or overly dry, then you may want to get your home inspected right away.
Damp, Mould and Mental Health
Living with excess damp and mould in your home not only affects your physical health, but it can also contribute to mental health issues too. There are higher cases of depression in households which have the presence of damp and mould, which could be due to a number of reasons. The depression could be sparked by a number of things from the smell to the unappealing look of it inside your home. The financial costs of fixing mould and damp can also be extremely overwhelming to some families, as there is no simple and quick resolution. Anxiety, insomnia and attention deficit disorder are also common mental health side effects from living with damp and mould.
Protecting Your Children From Damp
Children and the elderly are those most at risk from prolonged exposure to damp and mould, so it’s important to protect your loved ones at all costs. Taking extra precautions may be necessary, which may include booking an inspection of your property for peace of mind. Pregnant women also fall into the vulnerable category when it comes to mould so additional precautions should be taken if you or your partner are expecting a baby.
Most Common Places to Find Damp
One of the most common places to find damp in your home is your bathroom, because ventilation isn’t always as easy in this room of your home. When humid air lingers it can stop your wet surfaces from drying completely. This can quickly lead to damp and mould, especially if it’s not caught and treated in plenty of time. Condensation is the main contributor to mould in your bathroom, so ideally you’d try to avoid this as much as possible and ventilate your bathroom.
Another common place to find mould in your home is the bedroom, and this can cause more serious issues to your health. As you spend a lot of time in there sleeping it can slowly start to impact your wellbeing. There are a number of anti-mould products you can use on your walls, but you should also aim to keep the room well ventilated where possible.
Rising Damp and Mould
One final thing to note is rising damp and mould outside of your home. This could be due to a number of elements such as building faults or blocked gutters. Resolving the underlying fault is the most important step to take before you try and fix the issue. The roof and overall structure of the building should be thoroughly checked over to see how it’s affecting your home. Although rising damp is quite rare it can cause damage to your home. Watch out for signs such as visible stains on the inside of the wall; this can be a clear indicator of rising damp outside.
Hopefully, this equips you with the knowledge and expertise to spot, prevent and treat any ongoing damp and mould issues in your home. The long-term health risks and mental health issues that can be caused due to this problem in many homes can easily be prevented as long as you look out for the warning signs.
