Page 30 - The Villager June 2021

Health & Wellness

damp wood, paper and cotton products
Trichoderma – in damp areas, air-
conditioning filters and HVAC ducts
Ulocladium – in kitchens, bathrooms and
around windows.
Stachybotrys, often referred to as ‘black
mould’ is one of the most toxic. It can also
have a grey or dark green appearance and
often has a musty smell. The mycotoxins
that it produces can cause severe health
problems, including flu-like symptoms,
headaches, respiratory damage, fatigue,
depression and memory loss.

MOULD PREVENTION
Controlling the amount of humidity
and moisture in areas where there is
limited ventilation is key to preventing
or eliminating mould. Use an extractor
fan when cooking and get an indoor
dehumidifier if you feel that there’s too
much humidity in any of your rooms. CDC ON uNSPLASH
Regular cleaning to eradicate dust
and mould spores is essential. Clothes
should ideally be dried outdoors – and HOW TO REMOVE MOULD White vinegar works best when it’s
make sure that all your linen, towels The professionals advise that whoever undiluted. Use a spray bottle and let it
and clothes are fully dry before packing will be removing the mould should wear soak into the mould. Leave for about an
them away. rubber gloves, a breathing mask and hour before wiping the surface. If there
If there are any plumbing or roof leaks, possibly even transparent goggles to is still evidence of mould after that, use
don’t leave them thinking that you’ll get protect them from any airborne mould a solution of baking soda dissolved in
around to fixing them one day – attend spores. If the item covered in mould is water and scrub the area with a brush.
to them as soon as you notice them. The moveable, it should be taken outside WARNING: Do not under any
sealant around sinks and baths should and cleaned in the open air. circumstances add bleach to any area
likewise be removed and replaced as Natural mould removal products where vinegar has been used or is still
soon as you see there is degradation or include white spirit vinegar, baking soda, present – when you mix these two
any gaps in the seals. lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide. substances, toxic chlorine gas is released
and breathing it in could be lethal. Use
either one or the other, but never both
together.
After the mould is removed, try to
ensure that the area is always kept dry
and the room is well ventilated.

INDOOR PLANTS
As you probably know, the reason why
indoor plants are often found in large
office complexes actually has little to do
with the aesthetics of the interior décor. It’s
because indoor plants are used to improve
the air quality in corporate environments.
When choosing indoor plants, it’s a good
idea to choose plants that are fairly low
CDC ON uNSPLASH
28 • Issue 6 2021 • The Villager