MOULD FUNGI

Moulds are useful organisms for ecosystems, but in homes they are a contaminant that can cause allergic reactions such as nasal congestion, eye irritation or even asthma. In addition, a few are pathogenic, such as aspergillus and penicillium.

moho en pared

EVALUATION

At home they grow on walls and cold surfaces. As soon as there are millions of moulds, they can be seen in the form of colonies or detected by smell. In both cases, it is advisable to remove them.

If you are allergic to moulds and cannot detect them by sight or smell, it is possible to test for their presence in cultures on petri dishes. More fungui should be found on the outside of the house than on the inside; if the opposite is the case, it is advisable to take action to remove them as well.

cultivo de hongos en placa petri

HOW TO PREVENT THEM

Repair moisture leaks. It is a priority to eliminate the causes before cleaning the moulds.

Improve the thermal insulation of walls, preferably on the exterior side of the house. Cold walls should be avoided, as this is where moisture condenses.

Improve ventilation of damp rooms. It is advisable to allow steam from cooking and showers to escape to the outside.

Maintain humidity levels below 60%.

Plaster the walls with lime mortar and lime or silicate paint. Moulds do not live in basic environments.

HOW TO ELIMINATE THEM

Precautions should be taken to protect the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. When finished, the used brushes, rags, etc. should be disposed of. Caution: danger of fire or explosion.

Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide (10-30% hydrogen peroxide).

Disinfect with alcohol (70-80%).

In case of general invasion, the only effective solution is to flame them with a blowtorch or a hot air gun.

After disinfecting or flaming, surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water.

HEPA filter suction. On the surfaces around the affected areas and in general throughout the house, to remove spores.

During the cleaning work and even days after, it is recommended to purify the air in the house with HEPA filters.

Avoid using toxic products such as bleach.