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Mould
The immune system of humans releases histamines to counter the moulds ingested to the lungs and these in some persons histamines can result in breathing difficulties, stuffy noses, sneezing, coughing and even irritation of the eyes or skin. More severe reactions to moulds may include nausea, weight loss, fatigue, asthma, lack of concentration and even respiratory failure.
In a moist building, these moulds can be easily removed and their propagation stunted... Wet the walls to prevent the mould from becoming airborne. Use non ammoniated cleaners to scrub and clear the stains off ceilings and walls. A 25% solution of common household bleach (JIK) will restrict the growth and propagation of mould. Protective safety gear of gloves and eye protection should be used when cleaning with chemicals. The area should be well ventilated while working with bleach.
House Dust Mites
Both moulds and Mites have one common ally- - Damp moist areas in our homes. Humidity is the most important factor in the growth and development of Moulds and Mites, especially here on the East Coast of South Africa.
The source of water in damp walls has to be corrected. One common mistake home owners make when confronted with damp walls is to try to mask the symptoms of the damp in their homes and often resort to the indiscriminate use of sealants to cover walls damaged by damp. DAMP TECH often comes across people placing their faith in a road marking paint to solve their problems of damp ingress.
How toxicity enters the home
The covering of the wet wall with a sealant without cutting off the source of water will prevent evaporation for a while but will increase the toxicity level of the trapped water. Over time, the sealant and plaster will delaminate from each other causing the paint to bubble. During this process the moisture level increases and spreads to previously unaffected areas of the wall resulting in additional damage.
Some causes of damp are from incomplete or deteriorated grouting in the showers, plumbing leaks, cracks on external plaster, unsealed window frames, broken or missing roof tiles, exterior soil above the DPC (Damp Proof Course) and rising damp. Split level houses are often affected by a damaged DPC.
The very best advice to customers who have damp in their homes , customers in industry or prospective home purchasers is to get a professional independent survey the premises. These reports are available from DAMP TECH. A damp report should be part of the transfer documentation during the purchase of new homes. These Damp reports should be requested alongside the electrical clearance and entomology reports.
A damp survey can highlight damp, allow the repair of the source of damp and therefore both improve health of residents and ensure the prolonged structural integrity of the building.
Houses, commercial property and businesses both old and newly built, can develop damp problems. Invariably damp ingress can be corrected. Only a survey performed with the correct equipment can identify hidden and covered damp.
The removal of the source of damp will contribute to the reduction of human infection from moulds, the securing of structural integrity of buildings and improved aesthetics of our buildings.