Could mould be making you sick?
It has been a wet year for Woolgoolga and the surrounding Mid North Coast. With months of heavy rainfall and consistently high humidity, local homes have become prime environments for mould growth. Many residents are reporting musty odours, spotting on walls or ceilings, and even unexplained health symptoms. To make matters worse, mould can be growing in a home without displaying visible signs or smells. Advanced gene screening has revealed that 24% of the population cannot produce antibodies to fungi (mould), making these individuals susceptible to ill-health associated with mould exposure.
Mould spores are everywhere—but when indoor humidity rises above 60% relative humidity (RH), and materials are exposed to moisture (including water vapour) for more than 48 hours, mould will flourish. The risk to susceptible individuals from mould exposure is influenced by the porosity of the material, with non-porous items e.g. windows, posing a low health risk, and porous materials e.g. carpet, posing a higher risk of adverse health outcomes. The size of the affected area is also important, with areas greater than 1m2 correlating with more adverse health effects.
Symptoms of mould-related illness vary but often include persistent headaches, sinus congestion, coughing, asthma or allergies (such as hay fever and eczema), chronic fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Those with underlying conditions or sensitivities may experience more severe symptoms and find little relief until they are out of the affected environment and undergoing medically supervised detoxification.
Consider where you and your family members spend time. If there is an unwell person in your home, are they sleeping in a room on the southern side of the home, where sun exposure and air flow are limited? Is there adequate ventilation? Could their workplace, school, or other frequented buildings be mould-affected?
To reduce risk:
Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor RH below 60%.
Ventilate rooms daily, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
Remove visible mould with caution—there are evidence-based protocols for remediating mouldy homes and contents, depending on the porosity of the material.
If health concerns persist, do not just guess. Contact a Certified Building Biologist to assess your home for hidden moisture and mould issues.
A healthy home supports a healthy body. If you suspect mould is contributing to your family’s symptoms, act today. Prevention, proper assessment, and targeted remediation can make all the difference.