Health risks with damp
The connections between damp and ill health are well documented today. A search for "health risks damp" on Google gives about 29,000 hits and that is only in Swedish. The problems can be of many different kinds; harmful chemicals can be released that spread bad odors and cause respiratory irritation; Mites, mold and bacteria can cause allergies and other so-called indoor climate symptoms, such as irritated mucous membranes, chronic fatigue, decreased ability to concentrate, headaches and nausea. These problems are found in more than 40% of all Swedish households.
Allergies and asthma
Staying in a damp- and mold-damaged environment can cause everything from mild symptoms such as fatigue and headaches, to serious consequences in the form of allergies and asthma. Damp means that we are exposed to the following harmful substances:
- Allergens, in the form of dust mites, mold and fungal spores and bacteria.
- Irritant and foul-smelling vapor and gas produced by microbiological activity, so-called MVOC (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds).
- Toxins formed by fungal organisms, usually mold; so-called mycotoxins.
- Glucans and other harmful substances from bacteria and fungi; so-called endotoxins.
- Other harmful gases through increased chemical emissions from various building materials.
Exactly how we are affected and how much of these substances are required to harm our health is unfortunately undetermined and therefore there are no clear limits values. There is therefore, only one reasonable recommendation and that is zero tolerance;. Damp and rot, as well as visible mold or mildew odor, should not occur in human environments. zero tolerance; moisture and rot, as well as visible mold or mildew odor, should not occur in human environments.
Mycotoxins are more harmful than smoking
Damage caused by damp often results in the growth of microorganisms. You notice them as ugly stains on the wall. These microorganisms also spread harmful toxins, so-called mycotoxins, which settle in clothing and furniture textiles, among other things. Some mycotoxins are relatively harmless and cause "only" fatigue, headaches and dizziness, while others can cause kidney damage or even cancer.
Mites are a common cause of asthma
All biological activity, both insects and microorganisms, increases as the damp content increases. This applies not least to house dust mites, which are one of the biggest risk factors for the development of asthma and allergies. House dust mites thrive especially well in mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpets, where they live on skin flakes from humans.
Toddlers are most vulnerable
We spend an average of 22 of the 24 hours in a day indoors. Every day we breathe in between 12 and 15 kg of air, which is ten times more than the amount of food we eat. Guaranteeing a good air environment in the home is therefore a necessity, especially as our airways do not have any defense mechanisms or purification systems. Young children are most at risk of suffering from diseases related to the indoor climate, not only because they are more sensitive but also because they lack the ability to express what is bothering them.
