‘It’s a nightmare’: Qld residents told to scour homes for hidden mould

Queensland residents are being told to scour their homes for “hidden” mould ahead of a third La Nina event.

Queensland residents are being told to scour their homes for “hidden” mould with a third La Nina event forecast to bring heavy rainfall from November.

Amy Clements said the property she is currently renting at Miami on the Gold Coast, has been “overrun” by mould.

PRO TIPS: How to keep your home mould free

“(Mould) is coming up everywhere – it gets on all your personal belongings like your shoes and clothes,” she said.

Ms Clements said the mould infestation has become a “nightmare”.

“It’s a nightmare – you wipe mould off and then it reappears another week or two later,” she said.

Ms Clements, who suffers from asthma, said the “damp, misty air” triggers a cough but that the infestation is likely to be a lot worse.

“You start to think well my mattress is right near (the wardrobe) so it’s probably in my bed as well.”

Amy Clements, who is currently renting a property on the Gold Coast, said her home has been overrun by mould.

“(Queenslanders) end up living with mould because you think ‘Oh I’m just coughing because it’s Winter’,” she said.

“I’ve nearly slipped over outside because the concrete outside my house is full of mould and moss,” she said.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland president Dr Maria Boulton said there’s no doubt that mould has been an “issue” for many people this year after the February floods.

“For most people, exposure to a small amount of mould doesn’t have serious health consequences. You may get a blocked or runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, wheezing or a cough,” she said.

“Pregnant women, children, older people and people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions are more vulnerable and should not be around while the mould is being removed.”

Ms Clements said the concrete outside her home is “full of mould and moss”

According to Queensland Health “people with a normal immune system are unlikely to be affected by mould”.

“However, for some people, such as those with a true allergy to mould, asthma or lung disease, elderly people or people with chronic diseases like diabetes or people with low immunity, such as people on cancer chemotherapy, exposure to mould may cause them to develop health problems,” a statement read. 

“If concerned, see your doctor.

“By reducing mould and by taking precautions when removing mould, you can help reduce the risk of mould-related health problems.”

Mould Men Founder and CEO Gerard Murtagh predicts that the coming months will see an increasing number of Queenslanders reporting mould growth in their homes.

Mould Men Founder and CEO Gerard Murtagh at his Molendinar office. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Murtagh said there are five areas to “inspect and check” this Spring to ensure Queensland homes stay “mould free” – behind couches and bed heads, wardrobes, linen cupboards, behind kitchen cupboards and outside your property.

Mr Murtagh said Queenslanders should not remove any patch of mould “larger than the palm of your hand”.

“Removing large patches of mould cannot only aggravate the spores to spread further around the home, but it can also put you at risk of inhaling toxic mould spores,” he said.

“If you’re concerned that mould on your clothes is part of a larger mould problem, it is recommended to seek out a professional mould removal team for an inspection and treatment plan.

Meanwhile, Dr Boulton said “if you need to remove mould, make sure there is good ventilation and wear protective clothing”.

“For most people, exposure to a small amount of mould doesn’t have serious health consequences,” she said.

“You may get a blocked or runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, wheezing or a cough.”

FIVE ARES TO CHECK

1. Behind couches and bed heads: Couches and bed heads normally sit up against walls which are the perfect breeding ground for mould. Make sure your furniture has plenty of room to breathe, in well-ventilated rooms

2. Wardrobes: Isolate and treat effected items with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water

3. Linen cupboard: Jam-packed linen cupboards are a perfect environment for moisture and mould growth. Steps such as putting away damp clothes, minimising condensation, conducting routine inspections of wardrobes.

4. Behind kitchen cupboards: The kitchen is one of the Bermuda triangles for mould, apart from the basement and bathroom. Humidity from cooking, washing dishes, or using a dishwasher can lead to mould growth.

5. Outside your property: Cut back trees and shrubs away from your home to let sunlight in. The more you can increase sunlight and ventilation in your home, the better chance you have to keep your home mould free.