Health implications of damp and mould

[ayabrea38]

Our house is unbelievably damp and moldy.Just spent another afternoon scrubbing the window frames and walls with bleach.It sometimes grows pink,pretty yes but scary cos of what it is.Anyone know what health problems this stuff can cause/affect?Every time I have to do one of these clean ups.I feel like I have a bad head cold the next day,coincidence?The window sills have puddles on them every morning and need to be mopped up,the actual glass is soaking wet.
As most of the people in our house generally feel like they have the flu most of the time,I am wondering how much the mouldyness is contributing.Any advice welcome.Thanks all

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

It has long been known that household mould can cause allergic reactions. See here:
http://www.hinckley-b...p?IDType=Page&ID=5672

Since different people have different allergies, it's hard to predict the health implications of living with mould for any individual. (Some people might suffer severe asthma or other bronchial problems, while others could be totally unaffected).

What is far more contentious is whether certain types of mould are significantly toxic. This 2002 report from The Telegraph suggests that it's a myth that our homes are being invaded by toxic moulds:
http://www.telegraph....is-a-load-of-rot.html

[Buenchico]

But his 2003 report from The Independent (based upon a report from a reputable source, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) suggests that it may be a major problem:
http://www.independen...-uk-homes-537193.html

Flu-like symptoms MIGHT be due to the presence of mould but there are other possible causes. In particular, if you've got gas heaters, inefficient burners (or a blocked flue)can lead to the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (which include headaches, nausea and a feeling that you've got a bad case of flu). I write from experience because I nearly died through a problem with a gas heater.

However I suspect that your 'bad head cold' after a 'clean up' might actually be due to breathing in the ammonia fumes from the bleach, rather than to any effects of the mould.

Chris

[ayabrea38]

Thanks for those links,and yes,I did think it may be down to the bleach.The house had an up to date gas safety certificate up until last month so I think the flue is ok and I am onto the landlord about a new one.I take it this would discover a carbon monoxide leak,and I am glad you lived to tell the tail.Yet another silent killer in our homes.
Thanks again.

[Androcles]

It strikes me you really need to look at the causes of this damp problem, which can be many and ofgten not just one of them. You need to tackle each one you find. There are some useful observations about causes here: http://www.whatprice..../damp-house-help.html

Good luck!