Winter 2023/24 has, so far, been a miserable year for seasonal illnesses. With Covid showing no signs of disappearing, and a rogues’ gallery of other coughs, viruses, and bacterial pathogens all doing the rounds, it’s a tough time for people who are prone to respiratory conditions. Winter is the time of year when people most notice the presence of damp and humidity in the home, especially when windows are closed, temperatures are low, and immune systems are lower due to a lack of sunlight and recurrent illness.
These issues are exacerbated by poor indoor air quality caused by mould spores in homes, schools, and offices. According to the NHS, if you have damp and mould in your home, you are more likely to experience complications from respiratory illnesses, lung infections (including pneumonia and bronchitis), allergies, and asthma.
Cold Or Mould?
If you develop cold like symptoms, a sinus infection, hoarseness or sore throat in the autumn and winter, most people put it down to picking up a virus from somewhere or other. However, these symptoms can also arise from exposure to indoor damp spaces and mould, and even touching or inhaling mould fragments or spores can instigate a runny nose, coughing, red eyes, skin rash, and respiratory problems – including chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Mould allergies are a common but frequently unaddressed problem and can be especially serious in people who suffer from asthma and other conditions that restrict the airways.
How To Reduce Mould And Damp In Your Property
Reducing humidity levels and improving ventilation in your home over the winter can prevent the growth of mould spores and make it easier for you and your family to recover from seasonal infections. The most effective way of doing this is to increase air circulation by using fans and opening windows to increase the flow of air in your home, and to remove stale air and airborne pathogens. Cold air is less likely to condense in nooks and crannies if it’s moving around, which can prevent the formation of mould. Even on cold days, opening the windows in the home for just 10 minutes in the morning and after every bath or shower is often enough to freshen up the space and improve overall ventilation.
As far as possible, you should also try to dry wet areas immediately, addressing any spillages, leaks, or areas of condensation before they can lead to mould growth. Also, keep an eye out for problem areas in your home that are more prone to dampness or mould than others, such as unventilated areas of your bathroom, kitchen, and stairwell. Once identified, these areas can be ventilated – e.g. through using standing plug-in fans – and cleaned regularly to remove mould spores.
Mould-free Shower Pods From Advanced Showers
Installing a leakproof modular shower pod is a good way of reducing the buildup of mould in your shower room, by removing the ‘weak points’ that mould tends to develop on – i.e. grout, sealant, and gaps between the tiles and the shower tray. To find out more, please contact one of our team today by clicking here.
Image Source: Canva
