How Mould Removal & Masks Support Your Respiratory Wellness

February 19 2024, by Aussie Pharma Direct, 10 min reading time

Respiratory health might not always be top of mind, but it should definitely be on your radar. After all, the ability to breathe comfortably is essential for our overall well-being. Whether it's enjoying a brisk walk outdoors or simply relaxing at home, having clear, unobstructed airways is key to feeling our best.

There are many ways to improve your lung function and overall respiratory wellness, ranging from regular exercise to avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy diet. Sometimes it can be as simple as addressing environmental factors like mould in your home or taking precautions such as wearing masks when appropriate.

In this blog, we'll dive deeper into the connection between mould removal, mask usage, and respiratory health.

Understanding the risks of mould

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments and can take on various colours and textures. You've probably seen it creeping along bathroom tiles, lurking in damp basements, or even hiding behind wallpaper. It's pretty good at finding its way into our homes, just about anywhere there's moisture. Think bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics—any place that's prone to dampness is fair game for mould growth.

But here's where things get serious: mould isn't just a cosmetic nuisance. It can pose significant health risks, especially when it comes to our respiratory system. Exposure to mould spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. For those with asthma, mould can be a major trigger, causing flare-ups and making it harder to breathe. Plus, prolonged exposure to mould has been linked to respiratory infections, making it even more important to address mould issues promptly.

Why mould removal is important

Well, as we discussed earlier, mould can trigger a range of respiratory issues. By eliminating mould from your home, you're reducing the likelihood of encountering these health problems and creating a safer indoor environment for yourself and your family.

But how exactly do you go about removing mould? Here are a few simple tips to get you started:

Inspect for water leaks - Mould loves moisture, so be on the lookout for any signs of water leaks or dampness in your home. Check for leaks under sinks, around windows, and in basements or crawl spaces.

Test for mould - If you suspect mould growth but aren't sure where to start, consider using a mould test kit to check for mould in your home. These kits are readily available (even here at Aussie Pharma Direct) and can help you identify areas of concern that may require further attention. Learn more about how to test for mould at home here

Improve ventilation - Proper ventilation is key to preventing mould growth. Make sure your home is well-ventilated, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup like bathrooms and kitchens. Consider using exhaust fans or opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate.

Use mould-killing products - If you do spot mould growth, it's important to address it promptly. While bleach can remove visible mould, it may not kill it at its root. Opting for plant-based or enzyme-based mould-killing products can be more effective in completely eradicating mould. SAN-AIR is one such product line that utilises natural formulations to effectively combat mould growth.

Know your risks before you clean

Before you dive into scrubbing mould yourself, it's crucial to understand who is most at risk from mould exposure and who should handle the inspection and cleaning.

For healthy individuals without a history of respiratory or immunological conditions, the risk posed by mould growth is typically low, particularly in the short term. But it's important to note that prolonged exposure can still present health risks, so it's wise not to disregard the potential dangers.

On the other hand, certain groups of people are more sensitive to mould and can experience adverse effects even with limited exposure.

Individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions may find that mould exacerbates their symptoms significantly.
Those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases such as COPD are at a heightened risk of developing mould infections, particularly in their lungs.

Precaution is key: If you fall into any of these increased risk categories, avoid mould-affected areas altogether. It's also wise to consult your doctor if you have concerns about potential mould exposure. More importantly, if you discover mould growth at home and you belong to this increased risk group, leave the remediation to the professionals. Their expertise and proper equipment will ensure a safe and thorough mould removal process.

What if you're at your workplace? What should you do?

Mould exposure risks aren't limited to your home. If you discover mould at your workplace, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Workers who are sensitive to mould should avoid these areas entirely. Notify the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) as soon as possible. This allows them to take appropriate action to minimise mould exposure risks for workers, visitors, and others in the workplace.

How wearing a mask can contribute to better respiratory health

First off, masks play a crucial role in protecting our respiratory system from various airborne particles and pollutants. Whether it's dust, pollen, or pollutants from vehicle exhaust, wearing a mask can help filter out these irritants and prevent them from entering our airways. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, as exposure to these particles can exacerbate symptoms and lead to respiratory distress.

But masks aren't just helpful for combating everyday environmental factors—they're also essential in situations where our respiratory health may be at risk. For instance, when cleaning our homes, we often come into contact with harsh chemicals and dust that can irritate our lungs. Wearing a mask during cleaning tasks can help minimise exposure to these harmful substances and protect our respiratory health.

Masks can also be invaluable in outdoor environments where air quality may be compromised. For example, during bushfires or periods of high air pollution, wearing a mask can help reduce your exposure to harmful particulate matter and protect your lungs from potential damage.

Does wearing a mask help with mould too?

Mould removal activities can stir up mould spores into the air, making them easy to inhale. By wearing a mask during mould cleaning tasks, you're effectively creating a barrier between yourself and these potentially harmful spores, minimising your risk of respiratory exposure.

What type of mask do you need for mould?

Now, let's talk about the types of masks that are suitable for cleaning mould. One highly effective option is the AMD P2 mask. These masks are designed with nanofibre technology that allows them to filter out an impressive 99.66% of airborne particles, including mould spores. This level of filtration ensures that you're adequately protected against inhaling mould spores during the cleaning process.

In addition to their high filtration capabilities, AMD P2 masks are also comfortable to wear, making them suitable for extended use during mould cleaning. Their ergonomic design and adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, minimising the risk of leakage and maximising protection.

But you'll need a more comprehensive PPE for high risk mould removal

In tackling household mould, understanding the extent of contamination and the appropriate safety measures is key to ensuring your health and safety. For low-risk mould removal tasks, where the mould growth is minimal and confined to a small area, basic PPE such as masks and gloves may suffice. A properly fitted disposable P2 respirator will protect your lungs from inhaling harmful mould spores, while disposable gloves can prevent direct contact with mould.

When dealing with more extensive mould contamination at home, where larger areas need to be cleaned or the mould growth is significant, it is crucial to adopt a more comprehensive approach to protection. In such scenarios, the following PPE is recommended to safeguard yourself thoroughly:

Full-face respirator with P100 filters - This type of respirator offers more extensive coverage and protection against airborne mould spores, compared to basic masks. It not only protects your respiratory system but also shields your eyes, which can be irritated by mould spores.

Long, durable nitrile gloves - These gloves extend to the middle of the forearm, providing better protection against mould and cleaning agents.

Disposable coveralls - To prevent mould spores from coming into contact with your skin or personal clothing, wear coveralls that are ideally made from a breathable material with barrier protection.

Goggles - If not using a full-face respirator, wear goggles that seal against your face to prevent spores from entering and irritating your eyes.

Rubber boots or disposable boot covers - These prevent the transfer of mould spores to other areas of your home via footwear. Ensure they are either easy to clean or disposable.

Disposable cap or head cover - Covering your hair and ears, a cap or hood prevents the spread of mould spores to cleaner areas or when you exit the contaminated space.

Conclusion

It's more important than ever to prioritise our respiratory health, especially in light of the current global health landscape and environmental changes occurring around us.

As we've explored in this blog, addressing mould issues in our homes and wearing masks when necessary are two simple yet effective ways to protect our respiratory health. Mould removal helps mitigate the risks of respiratory ailments, while masks serve as a barrier against airborne pollutants and harmful particles.

So, let's commit to staying informed, staying vigilant, and taking action to support our lung health. Whether it's by removing mould from our homes, wearing masks when needed, or making lifestyle choices that promote respiratory wellness, every effort counts in the journey towards breathing easier and living healthier lives.