Prolonged mould exposure can contribute to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) in sensitive individuals. It may also worsen pre-existing chronic illnesses, especially respiratory and autoimmune conditions.
Key prevention and management tips include:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50%.
- Fix leaks and water damage promptly.
- Improve ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
- Use HEPA filtration for air cleaning if mould spores are suspected.
- Remove visible mould safely. Small areas can often be cleaned with proper PPE, but large areas may require professional remediation.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that bleach is the answer to removing mould. While bleach can kill some mould on hard, non-porous surfaces, it has limitations so is not the best or most complete solution, especially for spores and here’s why:
Bleach only works on the surface. It can’t penetrate porous materials like wood, drywall, or fabrics, so mould roots (hyphae) inside the material survive.
It doesn’t remove spores fully. It may inactivate surface spores, but dead spores can still trigger allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Since bleach is mostly water, it can create more of a moisture issue, especially on porous surfaces where the water can soak in and feed mould regrowth.
Better options for mould spores include detergent and water to physically remove mould and spores. Dry the area well and then use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, which can penetrate slightly better into porous materials and are less likely to produce harmful fumes.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 21 August 2025 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.