The risk of dangerous mould outbreaks is rising in Australia as heatwaves and heavy rain continue throughout summer.
Wet and humid conditions are a perfect home for mould infestations where the microscopic fungi can develop into serious health hazards when growing, spreading and releasing toxic spores.
Mould infestations can cause, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing and coughing, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions.
“Mould is extremely difficult to remove once it has taken hold, so the best protection by far is to prevent it before it occurs. The first step is to use special mould-resistant paint, especially in areas of the home where there is high humidity,” Haymes Paint senior product manager Murray Tocchet says.
“Haymes Paint’s Ultra-premium kitchen and bathroom paint has been designed for Australia’s changing climate, offering antibacterial protection, along with a ten-year mould and mildew protection guarantee.”
Mould is often seen as fuzzy or a stain, smudge, discolouration on ceiling and walls. The most common moulds are black, white and green.
As well as using mould resistant paint, Murray recommends keeping the home dry and well ventilated, open windows and doors to let in fresh air and reduce humidity and open blinds and curtains to let in sunlight during the day.
He also advised to turn exhaust fans on to remove steam to help and control moisture and fix building faults and plumbing problems such as leaks, burst pipes and blocked gutters and downpipes.
“Removing the conditions under which mould can flourish is key to preventing an outbreak,” Murray says. “This means regular and prompt home maintenance, such as fixing leaks and reducing moisture and humidity indoors and using a mould-resistant paint designed for Australia’s unique climatic conditions.
