Latest news with #toxicmould
News.com.au
10-08-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Ask Dr Zac: What impact does a mouldy home have on my health?
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not thermal receipts are toxic. QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, with all this rain we've been having and the coldness of winter, my rental has started growing mould spots in the bathroom, my wardrobe, pantry, and the corners of my bedroom ceiling. It's giving me the ick. I've been waking up with congestion and headaches, and I've seen TikToks warning about 'toxic mould syndrome' – is that a real thing? Should I be pushing my landlord to fix this ASAP or am I just being dramatic? – Liam, 27, Camberwell, VIC For the best lifestyle coverage in Australia — download the app direct to your phone. ANSWER: Hi Liam, you are absolutely not being dramatic. In fact, your question should be taken seriously by every single renter in Australia this winter. We are in the thick of what doctors (and builders, and plumbers) like to call mould season. The combination of colder temperatures, poor ventilation, and persistent rain is the perfect cocktail for mould to take over your home. Unfortunately, this isn't just an ugly stain on your ceiling. It can absolutely make you sick. Let me be very clear: there is no safe amount of indoor mould. While the popularised idea of 'toxic mould syndrome' is controversial and not formally recognised in Australian clinical guidelines, the health effects of damp and mould are real, documented, and significant. What you're describing – waking up congested, foggy, and headachy – is textbook for what we in the medical world call non-specific upper respiratory symptoms caused by mould spores. These little fungal invaders get into the air you breathe and irritate the lining of your nose, sinuses and lungs. In people with asthma, mould exposure can lead to flare-ups, wheezing, and even hospitalisation. Some forms of indoor mould, particularly the dreaded Stachybotrys chartarum (aka 'black mould'), have been linked to more severe respiratory outcomes. And while the phrase 'toxic mould' has taken off on TikTok, the real risk is more subtle – long-term exposure can cause ongoing sinus infections, worsen allergies, and possibly contribute to chronic fatigue and poor sleep quality. Let's also talk about what you should do, because this isn't something a scented candle and a spritz of Glen 20 will fix. First step: document everything. Take dated photos of the mould patches and record your symptoms. This will help you if you need to escalate the issue. Second: notify your landlord in writing and request urgent remediatio n. Under Victorian tenancy laws, mould is considered a repair issue and landlords are required to address it, particularly if it affects health or safety. Third: do not try to remove mould yourself unless it's a very small patch. Scrubbing large areas without protective gear can actually release more spores into the air. Instead, increase ventilation (yes, even in winter), use a dehumidifier if possible, and close off mouldy rooms when you're not in them. If your landlord drags their feet, contact your state's tenancy authority. In Victoria, Consumer Affairs has resources and enforcement pathways for renters dealing with dangerous living conditions. Let me say this one more time for the people in the back: Mould in your home is not just gross – it's hazardous to your health. And while 'toxic mould syndrome' might not be officially stamped in the medical textbooks just yet, the link between mould exposure and poor health outcomes is well established. So yes, Liam. You should absolutely be pushing your landlord to act immediately. And if they won't? You might want to suggest they come and sleep in your bedroom for a few nights. See how dramatic they feel after waking up with a pounding headache and blocked sinuses. Stay warm and stay dry. – Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to flatten your belly FAST: The 60-second shower trick that can shred fat from your stomach
What if I told you there's a 60-second ritual that can help flatten your belly, boost your mood, and rewire your brain for resilience - all before you've had your first sip of coffee? No, it's not a superfood smoothie or a $500 gadget. It's sitting right there in your bathroom. It's your shower. More specifically, the cold tap. This simple yet powerful biohack - known as cold water therapy - is one of my absolute favourites. It's free, accessible, and surprisingly effective. I talk about it in my new book Biohack Me, where I break down how we can reset our nervous system, upgrade our biology, and reverse chronic symptoms with small, intentional changes. And trust me, I've lived it. After years battling burnout, postnatal depression, and eventually a full-blown health crisis caused by toxic mould exposure, I discovered the power of cold exposure for my mental and physical health. Cold showers became a cornerstone of my recovery - and now a daily ritual I wouldn't skip for the world. Why it works (and what the science says) Cold exposure has been used for centuries to promote healing and resilience, and modern research is finally catching up. It's been shown to: - Activate brown fat, which helps burn calories and regulate body temperature - Reduce inflammation (a major contributor to ageing and chronic disease) - Trigger a 250 per cent spike in dopamine - the feel-good, focus-enhancing brain chemical - Lower cortisol, your stress hormone, and promote a calm, steady mood - Boost immunity by stimulating your lymphatic system In short, cold water gives your system a jolt in the best possible way. It wakes you up, both mentally and metabolically. It also trains your nervous system to tolerate stress better. That's why it's so powerful for people dealing with anxiety or burnout. It teaches your body how to recover fast and stay regulated. Take the cold shower challenge Now, before you panic and start picturing ice baths à la Wim Hof, let me make this clear: you don't have to go full polar bear to reap the benefits. I recommend starting with what I call the cold shower challenge - a gentle, no-BS intro for everyday people who want to feel better, fast. Here's how to do it: Start slow – At the end of your regular warm shower, switch the water to cold for just 30 seconds. Focus on deep breathing. You'll gasp and maybe scream a bit. Totally normal. Level up – After three to five days, extend to 60 seconds. You'll be surprised how quickly your body adapts. Go fully in (if you're game) – Eventually, try a full cold shower from start to finish. Morning is ideal, it'll leave you buzzing with energy. Bonus tip: Pair it with early sunlight exposure for a natural cortisol rhythm boost and enhanced mood throughout the day. That's the kind of biohacking stack I love - simple, powerful, and totally free. A biohack for your body and your mind Beyond the waistline wins and dopamine rush, there's something deeper at play with cold exposure. It's about choosing discomfort in a world obsessed with convenience. When you step into cold water on purpose, you're signalling to your body and brain 'I'm in control'. That mindset shift - of facing discomfort head-on - spills into other areas of your life. You show up differently. Stronger. Calmer. More grounded. So, if you're looking for a no-fuss, high-impact way to boost your health, start here. One cold minute. Every day. That's it. You don't need to overhaul your life overnight. You don't need a six-week plan or a pantry full of powders. You need a bit of grit. A willingness to get uncomfortable. And a commitment to show up for yourself - even just for 60 seconds. I dare you to take the cold shower challenge this week. You'll thank me later (once your goosebumps settle).
