Irritation or allergy
Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, red or itchy eyes, sore throat and skin rash are commonly reported.
Visual field guide 09Environment + breathing
The air looks still.
The clues are not.
Dampness lets mould grow on walls, timber, carpet, furnishings and hidden materials. Some people develop irritation or breathing symptoms; others notice nothing at all.
Follow the exposure path ↓A practical, 5-minute visual guide
THE CORE PATTERNMoisture feeds growth. Fixing the water source is part of every lasting solution.
WHAT THE BODY MAY NOTICEOne environment.
One environment.
Different responses.
Symptoms vary with sensitivity, health history and the conditions in the building. Their timing can be a useful clue, but symptoms alone cannot prove mould is the cause.
Cough or wheeze
Damp buildings are associated with respiratory symptoms and can worsen asthma in people who already have it.
Better when away?
Record whether symptoms begin in a particular room or building and improve after hours or days away.
KEEP PERSPECTIVEVisible colour does not tell you how dangerous mould is.
If you can see or smell mould, the practical priorities are the same: reduce exposure, remove the growth safely, and correct the moisture problem. Routine home sampling is usually not needed.
WHO NEEDS EXTRA CAUTION?Risk is not distributed
Risk is not distributed
evenly.
People with asthma, mould allergy, chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems may react more strongly or face uncommon but more serious complications.
Wheeze, chest tightness, cough or breathlessness may become harder to control.
Sensitised people can develop nose, eye, skin or airway symptoms.
A clinician can help separate mould-related irritation from an exacerbation or infection.
Do not enter mouldy buildings or participate in removal until remediation is complete.
THE FIRST USEFUL MOVESReduce exposure.
Reduce exposure.
Then trace the moisture.
Leave the damp space if symptoms begin, especially with coughing, wheezing or eye and throat irritation.
Record symptoms, timing, rooms involved, and whether you improve away from the building.
Look for leaks, flood damage, condensation, poor ventilation and materials that remain damp.
Match the response to the area, material, water source, hidden damage and health risks.
CLEANING WITHOUT SPREADING ITDry first.
Dry first.
Then deal with it.
Do not dry-brush mould: this can put more spores into the air and move them elsewhere. Protect eyes and skin, ventilate the area, and follow product directions.
You may be able to clean it.
- Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles
- Consider a well-fitted P2 respirator
- Use detergent or a product made for mould
- Dry the surface completely
Bring in experienced help.
- Major water or sewage damage
- Porous walls, insulation or carpet affected
- Growth returns after cleaning
- At-risk people live in the home
DO NOT MIX CLEANERSNever combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other products.
Dangerous gases can form. Bleach is also not a substitute for removing damaged porous material or fixing moisture.
WHEN TO GET HELPTrust a change
Trust a change
in your breathing.
Severe trouble breathing, blue lips, confusion or collapse
Call Triple Zero (000) →Wheezing, fever, persistent symptoms or worsening asthma
Call 13 HEALTH →Asthma, chronic lung disease, severe allergy or weakened immunity
Avoid clean-up and speak with your doctor.
SOURCESEvidence behind