Molds are microscopic fungi found in nature. There are thousands of species: green, black, pink, white … They reproduce by generating spores that can disperse in the air, but also be imported into our homes via the fur of an animal or on our clothes. Like pollens, they are an important component of house dust, but they only begin to bother its occupants when they begin to multiply, forming colonies. Which happens every time they find moisture. When they develop significantly in this way, some people become allergic to the particles that they spread in the ambient air, especially in summer. “A reaction that is sometimes confused with hay fever”, underlines Dr Silcret-Grieu. But spotting blackish stains around the tub, on windows, on walls, ceilings, rugs, linens, or even the simple characteristic musty odor should be kind enough to catch your eye. “It’s a real scourge,” insists Chrisbelle Speyer, an indoor environment advisor, who nevertheless works in Marseille, a region supposed to be dry!
A threat, not just for allergy sufferers!
Not only can we develop a allergy to these microorganisms but, in addition, some black molds produce toxins that can make anyone sick: symptoms similar to a cold (sneezing, sinus congestion), persistent cough, skin and eye irritation , but also headaches, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, up to extremely serious respiratory problems for the most fragile people (infants and the elderly, asthmatics or heart patients, or even whose immune system is weakened). Hence the need to hunt them down mercilessly.
How to get rid of moisture?
To avoid mold, we must fight against humidity. This is naturally produced by daily activities – human respiration, bathing, showering, laundry, cooking – and easy to spot by the regular presence of mist on the windows or on the walls. If it is not properly evacuated, it is enough to generate mold. But a few simple measures can avoid this scourge: put an extractor hood in the kitchen, avoid drying laundry indoors as much as possible and, above all, ventilate the rooms sufficiently: at least 15 minutes every day, winter and summer. Other small beneficial measures: slightly peel furniture from the walls and air out clothing that has been stored for a long time.
Halos on the walls, curling wallpaper, blistering paint can unfortunately indicate greater water infiltration (as well as the presence of mold hidden behind the materials). This time, to overcome it, it is not enough to rub with bleach and then dry well, as for the turn of the shower tray. It is essential to identify its origin. Raised by the ground, broken tiles, saltpeter? It may be wise to call in a craftsman specializing in humidity before embarking on major purchases (dehumidifier, air extractor, etc.). Once the source of the problem has been identified, this professional will advise on the work to be undertaken – repairs, exterior insulation, installation of an air circulation system, etc. – without delay.
