5 days ago
Aussies warned over widespread danger emerging in homes after relentless weather
After weeks of heavy rainfall along Australia's east coast, which triggered widespread and record-breaking flooding, experts are warning conditions are now ripe for mould growth. And if left untreated, it can rapidly become a serious health risk.
In recent months, Queensland has copped a serious battering from cyclones and tropical storms, while in NSW some parts of the state's north coast were hammered by more than 500 millimetres of rain in just a few days this month. When moisture, warmth, and organic material — like wood, paper or dust — combine, it creates an ideal environment for fungal spores to grow.
Many residents have taken to social media, including multiple renters, sharing pictures of mould found int their homes and asking for advice.
This week, a Queensland mum said she'd been hospitalised and placed on oxygen after claiming her rental home had poisoned her family with severe mould exposure. Dating back a year, damage escalated during the recent cyclone, destroying $13,000 worth of belongings.
In April, she said mushrooms were found growing out of the walls. The mother developed a relentless cough, dizziness and shortness of breath, and her newborn has now been diagnosed with a respiratory infection. After a mould inspection was finally carried out, her condition deteriorated rapidly and she was admitted to hospital.
"This isn't just mould — this is negligence," she claimed on social media, sharing a photo from an ambulance gurney. "This is what happens when landlords ... gamble with people's health."
Speaking to Yahoo News, Professor Rebecca Bentley from Melbourne University's department of health sciences urged Australians affected by the recent wet weather to keep their homes as dry as possible. She said symptoms from mould exposure could come on instantly for those with allergies or sensitivities, while others might not experience any for "some time, or not at all".
Bentley warned of the clues to look out for that signal you have been affected by mould.
"Signs include a runny or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin, and wheezing," she said.
"Porous items that can't be easily cleaned and have been wet for more than two days should be thrown out. Dry your home out quickly by opening all the doors and windows. If possible, use fans or air-conditioners on dry mode to speed up the process
"If the roof space is flooded, it will also need extra ventilation to speed up the drying process. This includes items such as mattresses, carpet, leather goods and ceiling insulation."
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Bentley said leaky plumbing, roofs and other fixtures should be repaired as soon as possible. "If repainting walls or other hard surfaces prone to mould growth, anti-mould solutions can be added into paint to help minimise mould growth," she suggested.
"Plants and bushes growing on or close to outside walls help to hold in moisture and promote mould growth. Try to clear plants, bushes and soil away from walls." Bentley emphasised that in most cases, damage caused by flooding remains the responsibility of the property owner.
This includes monitoring for signs of mould, improving ventilation, and addressing moisture build-up promptly to prevent further complications.
Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp, head of Australia's only environmental mycology laboratory, has been inundated with calls in the wake of recent floods. She said the spike in inquiries reflects just how widespread mould issues have become across the east coast, particularly in homes that remained closed up during periods of high humidity.
According to Neumeister-Kemp, mould doesn't need much to take hold — just moisture, warmth and still air. These conditions are easily met in many homes after flooding, especially where ventilation is limited. Damp carpets, soggy plasterboard, and even condensation on windows can all act as breeding grounds for fungal spores.
Once mould takes root, it can spread quickly and often invisibly. "Right now, it's not just a condensation issue because you literally had 'rain bombs' dropping and often the houses aren't built for that extreme amount of water," she told the ABC last month.
Neumeister-Kemp said mould problems are often underestimated. Many believe a quick clean with bleach will solve the issue, but this can make things worse if the underlying moisture isn't addressed. Thorough drying, adequate airflow, and in severe cases, professional remediation, are often required to properly eliminate the risk.
"If you put bleach on mould, it takes the colour but the mould is still there," she said, instead suggesting using commercial plant-based products made from essential oils.
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