The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends drying any wet areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth. In addition to health problems, mould can destroy the surface that it grows on by deteriorating it as it might decompose if it was in a landfill left exposed to the elements. This goes for walls, flooring, ceilings, furniture, etc.

In your body, mould spores are most commonly inhaled. Mould grows by releasing spores. These are too small to be seen by the naked eye, so we unfortunately inhale them into our lungs. We can also come into contact with mould through our skin.

For example, you may touch a surface that has unseen mould on it and then later touch your face or an open sore where the mould can get inside your body. Once inside the body, mould causes health problems and can look like an illness..

For controlling mould in your home, workplace or community centre, one spray from the 4 in 1 Disinfectant & Protector spray bottle will offer lasting protection on hard surfaces, controlling germs, bacteria, fungi & mould. For lasting deep cleaning of entire rooms in all the hard to get places (like air conditioners), Forcefield 4 in 1 is also available as a fogging solution.

All products in the Forcefield sanitiser range deliver superior, lasting protection from all the nasty strains of germs floating around.

7 SIGNS OF A MOULD ILLNESS

1. MUSCLE PAIN NOT DUE TO STRAIN

Unexplained muscle pain that isn’t caused by strenuous activity is one sign of a mould illness. The muscle pain can be anywhere in the body. Muscle cramps and sharp, intense ‘pin prick’ pains have also been reported when people come into contact with mould.

2. TWITCHING, TINGLING, OR NUMBNESS

That sensation of pins and needles when your hand falls asleep after you’ve had it in an awkward position is the tingling sensation that people suffering from a mould illness have reported.

3. DEPRESSED MOOD

Researchers studying mould related illnesses found that homes that are damp also have an effect on the people living in them and their mood. There was a definite connection between home dampness, mould, and symptoms of depression. Mental illness and the connection to less-than-ideal living conditions is not surprising.

4. DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and a lack of appetite are some of the digestive signs of a mould illness. Although these symptoms might lead you to eat less and thus lose weight, weight gain is actually a possible sign of a mould illness.

5. BREATHING PROBLEMS

Some of the most commonly reported signs of a mould illness are difficulties with breathing. In a recent review of mould and medical illnesses, researchers named some of the respiratory diseases that are associated with mould exposure, which include ‘asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, sinusitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.’

Being unable to breathe deeply, struggling for air, coughing, wheezing, or sinus problems are all likely symptoms of mould illnesses. Consult a medical professional if you have a concern about your potential exposure to mould.

6. SENSITIVE EYES AND HEADACHES

Redness in your eyes, itchiness, or blurry vision may be related to mould illnesses. Some people are sensitive to mould as an allergen, which prompts their immune system to start working more when they are exposed to it. If your symptoms are similar to hay fever or seasonal allergies and are accompanied by a headache and other symptoms of a mould illness, seek medical attention and explain your concerns to your doctor.

7. LESS COMMON SIGNS OF A MOULD ILLNESS

Some of the more unusual symptoms or signs of a mould illness are excessive thirst, needing to urinate more often due to drinking more, shaking, weight gain, dizziness, or a metallic taste in your mouth.