Dampness in your home is unappealing: yellow blotches on the walls and black flecks of mould are the last thing you want to see while you unwind or prepare dinner. However, many people believe that damp walls, aside from the cosmetic damage, do not create too many problems.
Unfortunately, this is not the case – and if you ignore dampness and mould, allowing it to grow worse and worse, you may be unknowingly exposing yourself to health risks…
Black mould on walls
One of the primary issues is that damp walls, floors, and ceilings may rapidly grow black mould spores, which are harmful to people when inhaled (or otherwise ingested). While fungicidal paint and mould treatment kits can assist in containing or disguising the problem, allowing black mould to grow in your house puts your health in danger.
Chronic coughing and respiratory problems are common, as are more serious lung damage, illness, and allergic reactions. If you have asthmatic family members, particularly children, mould spores might potentially induce an asthma attack.
With these considerations in mind, it’s fairly obvious that black mould is harmful if it begins to grow: thankfully, it can be destroyed, removed, and prevented in the future – this is not an issue that requires you to abandon your home or even pay for an absurdly expensive cure. Often, black mould in the bathroom or kitchen can be remedied by installing a modest but powerful extractor fan.
Additional health concerns
While the toxins produced by black mould are probably the most significant worry associated with moist walls, even condensation can be harmful if left alone for an extended period of time. Colds and flu, diseases such as tonsillitis and bronchitis, and even pneumonia can be exacerbated by the humid climate. In general, healthy adults with strong immune systems should not be concerned about minor patches of dampness, but the young, old, and those who are already ill should exercise caution while spending extended periods of time in a wet environment.
So, what are your options?
If your damp problems are minor, you may be able to resolve them on your own: use extractor fans if they are fitted and not being used, or manage air circulation by opening the windows and letting in some cool, fresh air.
For more serious situations, it’s a good idea to contact professionals — sooner rather than later, before any of the probable problems described above becomes genuinely dangerous. We offer professional damp proofing services in Sheffield, but regardless of where you live in the country, you should see an expert if you believe you require professional quality damp proofing or condensation management.
We can evaluate the issue, recommend the best course of action, and assist you with removing existing mould and damp patches, restoring the appearance and feel of your house… and, most crucially, removing the harm to your family’s health that it poses.
Why don’t you phone us or use our online contact form to get started? We can visit and analyse your damp concerns, discuss the potential consequences, and begin working on a sensible and inexpensive solution that works for your home!
