The Health Risks of Mould for Children

The Health Risks of Mould for Children

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Discovering patches of mould in your home can be worrying, particularly if you have younger children or elderly people in the house who have weaker immune systems.

There are thousands of different species of mould in the UK, and many of them can be found in the domestic environment. The spores that moulds use to spread are microscopic particles that are carried on the air and remain dormant until they find the right conditions to grow in.  Both the spores and the chemicals that are released by some moulds can be harmful to health and should be removed as a priority, but it is important to also look at the cause of the mould problem so that you can deal with it.

What health problems can mould cause

Exposure to mould can trigger allergic reactions in children, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. In some cases, it can exacerbate existing allergies and lead to more severe symptoms. Mould exposure is also a known trigger for asthma attacks. Children with asthma are particularly sensitive to mould spores, which can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

These reactions are caused by an immune response in sensitive people that results in the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

In some cases, prolonged exposure to mould can lead to respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or sinusitis. These infections can be more severe in children with weakened immune systems. Such continuous exposure to mould can also lead to chronic respiratory problems, even in children who do not have pre-existing conditions. This includes persistent coughing and throat irritation.

Exposure to some kinds of mould can result in more severe problems. There is evidence suggesting that exposure to certain types of mould, such as Stachybotrys Chartarum (toxic black mould), can have neurotoxic effects. Children exposed to high levels of these moulds may experience symptoms such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. In some instances, mould exposure may be linked to behavioural issues in children, including irritability, mood swings, and hyperactivity. These changes can affect a child's overall development and well-being.

Preventing mould in your home

Mould thrives in damp conditions and is often found in bathrooms and kitchens where there is a source of moisture that causes condensation. Persistent condensation problems cause damp patches in walls, ceilings and on woodwork where mould spores can become active and start to grow.

While mould can be cleaned from surfaces relatively easily using dilute bleach or a special fungicidal cleaner, this is only a short-term solution and to stop mould, you need to address the cause of the humidity.

Installing appropriate extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help remove excess moisture generated during cooking and bathing. Ensure that these fans are used consistently and maintained regularly. Modern fans such as the EnviroVent Cyclone 8 use a moisture sensor to measure the humidity levels in the air and adjust their power levels to remove the water vapour more quickly so that it does not have the chance to settle as condensation.

If you discover mould in areas of your home where there is no obvious source of moisture, whole house ventilation systems such as EnviroVent ATMOS can help. Positive Input Ventilation Systems work by drawing air into the home from outside and filtering it to remove particulate matter such as mould spores. This air is then distributed into your home to displace the humid and stale air. This improves the overall circulation of air around your property and stops cold spots from forming where the mould can take hold.

Get help with mould today

Mould poses significant health risks for children, including allergies, respiratory problems, and potential neurological damage. To protect children from the harmful effects of mould, it’s essential to prevent mould growth by managing indoor humidity levels and improving ventilation. Enter your postcode below to book a free home survey with a local expert who can identify the causes of mould in your house and provide advice about the best way to stop it for good.