Symptoms
A mold infestation in living spaces can cause or trigger health complaints. These include:
- Respiratory diseases such as cough, bronchitis and asthma.
- Irritation of the skin, throat, nose and eyes.
- Allergies, hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis.
- Headache
- Potentially poisoning by mycotoxins
In immunocompromised people, a life-threatening systemic fungal infection is additionally possible. Also, the so-called “sick building syndrome” is partly attributed to the fungal infestation. In summary, the fungi can cause allergic, toxic and infectious diseases.
Causes
The cause of the infestation is the growth of fungi in the living space, which form gray-black coatings, discolorations and stains and destroy the building material over time. In addition, there may be an unpleasant musty-sour odor in the air. Fungi can grow on almost all materials and feed, for example, on the cellulose in wood and paper. Underlying every mold is a water problem, because moisture is essential for fungal growth. On the one hand, this can be caused by water damage, i.e. defective pipes or cracks in the walls. More often, however, the reason lies in poorly insulated exterior walls. The walls in the rooms become too cold, especially in winter, so that water can condense and trigger fungal growth. An additional risk factor is too high humidity in the rooms, caused for example by insufficient ventilation.
Prevention
General measures in properties at risk:
- Ventilate the living rooms daily frequently and sufficiently long with draught: 3 x daily 5-10 minutes.
- Demarcate wet rooms and do not allow the moisture to enter the other rooms.
- Keep the humidity between 30 to a maximum of 50%.
- Do not dry laundry indoors, be careful when cooking, showering, bathing and ironing.
- Set the room temperature sufficiently high (20°C) in older buildings.
- Mold often develops behind furniture: maintain sufficient distance of furniture from the walls. Particular care should be taken with exterior walls.
- Use dehumidifiers.
- Improve air circulation.
- In case of acute water damage, react quickly and then allow to dry well.
- Have defective water pipes rehabilitated, install ventilation, insulate and renovate the building.
Treatment
The water and mold problem should always be reported immediately to the landlord. The mold should be removed as soon as possible and if there are health problems, professional help must be sought. Small spots can still be treated by yourself. Javel water, which has fungicidal, disinfectant and bleaching properties at the same time, is particularly suitable. The disinfecting alcohol (ethanol) and soap can also be used for preliminary cleaning. Work with gloves, face mask and goggles and then let it dry out well. Anti-mold sprays are available in pharmacies and drugstores. In case of a larger infestation, professional removal by specialists and remediation is necessary.
