You have to be very careful with damp - those black or greenish stains that may be on the wall, the tiles or the bathroom curtain - and remove them if they are detected to prevent mold from settling in your home. And is that when the problem is widespread, even the smell of closed betrays its presence.
So it hurts you
- Respiratory problems. Mold is a fungus, a living organism that produces tiny spores. These are spread through the air and, even if you don't see them, when you breathe, they enter the lungs and can end up causing respiratory problems, especially in people who already have some disorder or suffer from asthma.
- Allergic reactions. Some people are allergic to these spores and, when faced with them, they notice itchy eyes (as if they had grit), constant tearing, nasal congestion, etc.
- Headaches. An investigation published in the magazine Headache showed that the symptoms of migraines or chronic tension headaches tended to be worse in excessively humid environments.
- Other pains. The mechanism is not known, but excess moisture does increase the sensation of pain in some people. It has been found that there is a very direct relationship between living in humid environments and worsening symptoms of rheumatic ailments (such as arthritis or osteoarthritis) and bone, especially in the case of suffering some degree of bone weakness (osteopenia or osteoporosis) .
Why does mold grow?
Moisture creates the breeding ground for mold to proliferate, whose spores are often suspended in the air and can settle on tissue, paper, wood, plaster or other surfaces, giving rise to characteristic stains. On the other hand, remember that there is no need for water to appear. It is enough that there is an ambient humidity of 80% for mold to proliferate.
Keep humidity below 50% to prevent mold
The three most common types of mold
- Alternaria. It has a black or grayish appearance. It can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. It is dangerous if you have a depressed immune system.
- Cladosporium. Its color is between olive green and brown, although it can be black. It can be responsible for skin infections, sinusitis, or lung conditions.
- Aspegillus. It is black. Large amounts can cause fever, chest pain, cough, outer ear infections, or skin lesions.
Can I get intoxicated?
Normally, you are not going to get intoxicated by having damp at home. Our immune system is capable of attacking germs and, on the other hand, the intestinal flora does not allow their growth. Therefore, it is normal that breathing it or ingesting it in food does not cause us any problems.
However, the risk exists, because if there is an excess of fungi, the defensive cells of the body of children, the elderly and people with health problems (for example, taking antibiotics) could lose the battle and end up developing allergies or other pathologies.
It affects you if …
- You feel a stuffy nose.
- You have irritation in your eyes or you have trouble breathing. If there is no other apparent cause for it, you may suspect mold.
- You are asthmatic and exposed to mold. The reaction may be more severe and cause a fever and shortness of breath.
Bathrooms, kitchen, and basement are places where moisture tends to appear
Treatments
There are several drug treatments available to you. Antifungals are usually given. In some cases, if mold spores have infected the sinuses, other complementary treatments may be necessary , in extreme cases, requiring surgical intervention, although this is usually very rare.
As prevention, it is recommended to drink enough to be well hydrated and eat a balanced diet that strengthens the immune system, in addition to taking measures at home to avoid dampness and treat it in time.
How to prevent dampness?
- Ventilate the house. It is necessary to do it every day. In summer, in the morning, and in winter, during the sunniest hours. Let its rays penetrate inside the house. Remember to ventilate, above all, bathrooms and kitchens and interiors where you let clothes dry. In humid spaces without windows, you can use a dehumidifier.
- Dry after cleaning. It is an essential gesture. When cleaning, always finish with a dry cloth that removes moisture from the surfaces. You will prevent water from condensing in the environment.
- Beware of household appliances. Pay special attention to washing machines, dishwashers or coffee makers, where, if not properly maintained, fungi can proliferate.
What do I do if there is already humidity?
- Clean immediately. Mold can grow quickly. If there has been a flood, clean with soap and water and quickly dry everything that has been in contact with water (rugs, curtains, tapestries …).
- Disinfects To do this, protect yourself with clothing, gloves and a mask. Use a dilution of household sodium hypochlorite (bleach), at the rate of one cup per 4 liters of water. Clean the surface with a stiff bristle brush, then rinse with water and dry quickly with a blow dryer. Do it with the house well ventilated. You can also use hydrogen peroxide and then vinegar (but don't mix them).
