 It’s raining. It’s cold. It gets damp. “So what?” you may ask? “It’s raining season!” you say. Well…did you know that the dust and dirt present in indoor spaces provide enough nutrients to support growth of microorganisms? Exposure to microbial contaminants is associated with respiratory symptoms, allergies, asthma and immunological reactions. Evidence shows that exposure to mold and other dampness-related microbial agents increases the risks of rare conditions, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis. Excess moisture on indoor materials lead to growth of microbes. These microbes (mold, fungi and bacteria) emit spores, cells, fragments and unstable compounds into indoor air. Dampness initiates chemical or biological breakdown of household building materials, which also pollutes the air inside. Dampness has hence been suggested to be a strong, consistent indicator of the likelihood of developing asthma and respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough and wheeze). Dampness could also support growth of bacteria and the survival of viruses. It is also an indicator of poor ventilation, resulting in possibly increased levels of an extensive range of potentially harmful indoor pollutants.  While mold thrives on all materials, selection of appropriate building materials can prevent dirt accumulation, moisture penetration and mould growth. Dust mites and fungi favour damp environments. They have been found to play a major role in the development of respiratory symptoms. Believe you me; once you’ve seen a dust mite under the microscope…you are NEVER the same. Aghhh! You start airing those pillows and blankets and dusting and sweeping… Thinking of living microscopic bugs in your pillows…….can definitely do a number on you. I even have slides with dust mites given to me by my Parasitology teacher at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I threaten to show it to my non-compliant asthmatic sister when she acts up. Works wonders! Guidelines formulated essentially say to avoid dampness. I can hear my sister laughing. Her comment to this would be “Ha!.. during raining season? You must be dreaming! Do you know the definition of raining season? Rain! Dampness!” So….how to avoid the dampness? Try and ventilate the rooms as much as possible. If you see any sign of wetness/dampness on walls, most likely molds are your unwanted guests. And they mean to stay! See a building expert (no… there is no Mold expert but hey in this country… anything goes).  See your physician if you have had dampness or a mold problem for awhile and have respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing or frequent allergies. |
LINKS
Alliance for Healthy Homes
Alliance for Healthy Homes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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