Humidity in Malta is a problem that affects many households because mould grows in any space it can find, often leading to ill health and long term unpleasant side effects.
The problem is at its worst in winter, when cold humid air penetrates the outer walls of our homes and manifests itself in the form of indoor mould, or moffa, as it is known in Malta.
There are different types of moulds, but black moulds are the most toxic.
Adverse health effects and allergic reactions due to mould illness are more common than you think and there are various symptoms that can present themselves.
Mould exposure can result in various unpleasant symptoms including irritated nasal passage, coughing, burning respiratory tract, wheezing, tight chest, and wheezing.
Other respiratory symptoms and health problems can include asthma attacks. It can also attack the central nervous system and present symptoms that include headaches, irritability, light-headedness, difficulty in sleeping, concentration lapses, and mental fatigue. But there are natural solutions that can help fight off lung disease or mould allergies.
The first thing you should do is to take action to prevent mould growth. This is best done in the summer months when it is hot and dry and before the August and September humidity sets in, but it can be done any time of year as long as you have adequate ventilation. Simple natural steps that you can take include ventilating your house and using fans to dry out any areas that may still retain moisture.
If you own an air conditioning unit, you can also use it to dry out your house, but you should always make sure that the filters are clean, as they are susceptible to mould infestations, which will spread the mould spores around your home. You can also invest in a good air dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture in your home.
You should regularly measure humidity levels and aim to keep the air temperature at 22 degrees and 40-50 per cent humidity.
The higher the humidity, the more chance of spores and organic matter blooming in your home. Air purifiers are another tried and tested natural way to get rid of mould particles
You should always use good quality 100 per cent cotton bed linen and make sure that you regularly vacuum sofas and other such furniture because mould gets mixed with dust and can take hold. When showering, or boiling water, you should always make sure that a fan is on and a window open, to allow excess humidity to escape.
If you get a good dry week in winter, you could also knock up a baking soda and white vinegar concoction or diluted bleach and apply it to the affected areas.
At Oxypure we offer a specialised service to detect and remove mould from your home. Message us on Facebook for an appointment to get a free Mould Screening for your home…
Call 356 99925000 or 356 21252000
Or email us at [email protected]
