Medical
Mold And Its Impact on a Healthy Home
Mold, a type of fungus that thrives on various surfaces, from building materials to furnishings. Learn how mould grows and reproduces, as well as effective strategies to prevent its occurrence.

We're all pretty familiar with mold—it's that unwelcome guest that shows up uninvited. It might be the black stuff between bathroom tiles, those dark brown stains creeping across your walls and ceilings, or that nasty orange gunk lurking around taps and drains that haven't seen a scrub in a while.
Did you know, around 50 percent of Indian homes have dampness problems?
Molds are a type of fungus, and there are countless varieties. These fungi aren't picky—they can appear both inside and outside. Molds release tiny spores that float around in the air, making them hard to avoid. These spores are in every indoor space, and while you can't stop them entirely, you can control where they land and grow.
Mold spores prefer warm, damp environments. Once they find a wet spot, they start to flourish. Mold isn’t picky about where they settle down. They can grow on fabric, paper, wood, glass, and even plastic. As they spread, they chew away at whatever surface they're on, causing damage over time.
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Types of Mold and How Does it Look Like
Mold comes in a range of colours and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green, and often look like stains or discoloration on surfaces. Depending on the type and location, molds can appear velvety, fuzzy, or rough.
Your home can host a variety of mold types. Here are some common kinds:
- Cladosporium: This mold is versatile and can grow in both cool and warm areas. You might find it on fabrics, such as curtains and upholstery, as well as on wooden surfaces like floors, cabinets, and furniture. Its ability to thrive in diverse temperatures makes it a common household invader.
- Aspergillus: This mold is often found indoors, particularly in areas with lots of dust or powdery food items. Aspergillus can also grow on building materials, such as drywall, making it a frequent problem in homes. It's one of the most common types of mold found in indoor environments and can cause health issues if not properly managed.
- Penicillium: Recognisable by its blue or green appearance, Penicillium tends to grow on materials that have sustained water damage. You might see it on walls, wallpaper, and insulation that have been exposed to moisture. This mold can spread rapidly, especially in humid environments, and is known for its musty odour.
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Causes of Mold Growth Inside The Home
Indoor residential mold can result from various factors such as weather events, flooding, and interrelated housing condition problems. These factors encompass a wide range of issues including building failure, poor construction, housing maintenance, occupant behaviours, socioeconomic factors, and climate-related impacts. With the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, the risk of water-damaged housing, flood-prone areas, and coastal areas is a growing concern.
Here are some common culprits behind indoor mold growth:
- Leaking roofs and walls: Water seeping through damaged roofs or walls creates ideal breeding grounds for mold. Even minor leaks can lead to significant mold problems over time.
- Faulty plumbing: Issues like leaky pipes, blocked gutters, and downpipes can result in water accumulation, providing the moisture mold needed to thrive.
- Condensation: Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and drying clothes can produce condensation. This is especially problematic in areas with poor air circulation, such as cupboards, corners, and spaces behind furniture against uninsulated outside walls. These damp spots become prime locations for mould growth.
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Mold And Health Issues
Mold isn't just an eyesore or a cleaning nightmare—it can also be a health hazard, especially if you have asthma or allergies. Breathing in mold spores can irritate your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, and it can really make existing conditions worse.
The presence of moisture and mold in buildings increases the likelihood of various respiratory and asthma-related health issues. Children are especially susceptible, and research has shown that exposure to mould is associated with a higher risk of asthma development in children under the age of 7. A 2015 study issued in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy revealed that 21 per cent of the 21.8 million annual asthma cases globally can be linked to dampness and mould in residences.
Mold, especially in damp buildings, can have significant health impacts. Mold exposure can trigger a range of symptoms and exacerbate existing conditions, including:
- Nasal congestion: Breathing in mold spores can lead to stuffy or runny noses.
- Sneezing and coughing: Mold exposure often causes sneezing and persistent coughing.
- Wheezing: Mold can irritate the respiratory system, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- Respiratory infections: Prolonged exposure can result in respiratory infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Certain groups of people are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects from mold exposure, including:
Individuals with weakened immune systems: Those undergoing medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, or living with conditions that compromise their immune systems are at higher risk.
- Allergy sufferers: People with existing allergies may experience heightened symptoms and more frequent allergic reactions. Besides, individuals with severe asthma may find their condition worsened by exposure to mold.
- People with chronic or obstructive lung diseases: Those with conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung diseases are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of mould.
Related story: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Causes, Symptoms, And Management
Ways to Prevent Mold Growth
Controlling moisture is absolutely crucial in preventing mold growth indoors. A key part of this is maintaining a clean and well-ventilated home to effectively reduce humidity levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends aiming for a humidity level of below 60 per cent to keep indoor spaces healthy and mold-free.
However, there are simple and effective ways to shield your home and you can keep an eye on things like excess humidity and stop mold from making itself at home. Protect your home from moisture with these essential tips:
1. Fix anything which leaks: Prevent water damage by promptly repairing any leaks in your plumbing, roof, and other areas of your home.
2. Maintain gutters: Ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage by keeping your gutters clear and well-maintained.
3. Use exhaust fans to reduce condensation: Keep your home well-ventilated by using exhaust fans or opening windows while showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher. Increase ventilation and reduce humidity by opening windows and doors on warmer days.
4. Wipe up excess water: Clean up any condensation on single-glazed windows and shower glazing to prevent mould growth.
5. Vent clothes dryers outside: Prevent moisture buildup by venting your clothes dryer to the outside and regularly cleaning the lint filters.
6. Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers: Control indoor humidity levels by utilising air conditioning and mechanical dehumidifiers.
7. Avoid placing mattresses on the floor: Promote ventilation and prevent mould growth by placing mattresses on bed frames and regularly vacuuming or turning them.
8. Increase air circulation around furniture: Improve airflow and prevent mould growth by moving furniture away from walls.
Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.
Mold can be a sneaky and persistent problem in any home, but with proactive measures, you can keep it at bay. By minimising moisture through regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and effective cleaning practices, you can create an environment that is inhospitable to mould. Addressing leaks, managing condensation, and ensuring good airflow are all critical steps to protecting your home and health. A dry home is a mold-free home, and these simple actions can make a big difference in preventing mold-related issues.
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