Homeowners worried about rising energy costs often search for ways to reduce their usage. Often, this leads to the homeowner working to minimize air leakage through draft proofing and insulating the home. However, this may bring about new issues that people did not anticipate. When drafts are reduced and the insulation in the home is increased, this typically results in more moisture being held in the air. If there is a lack of ventilation to remove this moisture, the air quality deteriorates, condensation forms, and dampness issues arise. Furthermore, the health of the home’s occupants tends to be negatively affected. What are some of the health-related dangers of a damp home?
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues frequently arise in those individuals who live in a damp home. The moisture in the air provides the ideal for the growth of microscopic bacteria and fungi. In fact, a research study conducted back in 1997 found that individuals living in a damp home were two times more likely to develop asthma than those who lived in a home without moisture issues. Nevertheless, this is only one of the many respiratory problems a person living in a damp home may develop. Others include breathing issues, chest pains, and bronchitis. Anyone experiencing health concerns such as these on a regular basis should consider looking to the home as the source of the problem.
Bugs
Certain pests in the UK prefer homes with high moisture levels. This tends to be more of an issue in older homes but may affect new buildings as well. The pests frequently carry diseases harmful to human health. Furthermore, if a person already suffers from respiratory issues and comes into contact with allergens left behind by these pests, the problem may be compounded. Until the moisture issue is brought under control, the pest problem won’t be corrected either.
Eczema
Damp homes also bring about issues for individuals suffering from . Furthermore, the presence of excess moisture in the home may result in new cases of this skin condition, particularly in children. Again, anyone suffering from this condition should turn to the home to determine if excess moisture is leading to the development of symptoms or increasing the frequency or severity of outbreaks.
Vomiting
Research conducted in Scotland found a surprising relationship between moisture in the home, vomiting, and fever. Individuals living in a damp home are more prone to high temperatures as well as aches and pains. This may be due in part to the person suffering from a blocked nose due to respiratory issues. Any drainage could then enter the stomach and lead to the person vomiting. In the event the drainage does not occur and remains in the nose and head, an infection may develop and bring about the fever. Repeated fevers and/or vomiting is a sign that the property owner should contact a company offering
Individuals who work to remove excess moisture from the home find their health benefits in a variety of ways. Not only will occupants of the home witness a decrease in respiratory and asthma occurrences, but will also find their skin benefits from this change. Moisture levels in the home need to be considered anytime an illness presents and lingers. Don’t overlook this potential cause when identifying the root source of an issue and treating it for better health.
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