Can mould affect anyone?

Yes, mould exposure can be a problem for anyone. Even people without asthma and allergies can be affected when exposed to mould.

What are the impacts of mould exposure for people with asthma and allergies?

For people with asthma and allergies, mould exposure causes irritation, including irritated eyes, lining of the nose, lining of the chest, and it can also impact the skin. They can also become allergic to the mould resulting in inflammation in their body due to mould exposure. The presence of mould also encourages dust mite growth by preparing food for the dust mite.

What type of conditions cause mould growth?

Mould thrives in warm and damp conditions. Mould will form when indoor humidity is high at 70 per cent and above. Some areas of the home are particularly susceptible to mould growth. This includes spaces that can have increased moisture in the air or poor circulation. Check for mould in the wet areas of your home like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and sometimes in the darker rooms of the house that get less sunlight.

What humidity levels should I aim for in my home?

Optimal indoor humidity levels are between 30 to 50 per cent. Indoor humidity between 30 to 50 per cent doesn’t encourage mould growth because it’s a bit dry for the mould to grow.

What are signs of unhealthy levels of humidity?

A sign of high humidity in the home is condensation. For example ‘crying windows’ or what looks like rain fall on the window, but it’s on the inside.

Other signs that humidity levels are too high:

• Musty or damp odours.
• Mould and mildew growth.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper.
• Warped timber and flooring.

Signs that humidity levels are too low:

• Dry, flaky paint on the walls.
• Frequent static electricity.
• Eye, nose or throat dryness.

How can a dehumidifier help?

A dehumidifier is a device that removes the moisture from the air in your home and reduces indoor humidity levels. Preventing and drawing out excess moisture from your home will help maintain an optimal indoor humidity level between 30 to 50 per cent. This can also reduce or eliminate the likelihood of dust mites or mould developing, musty odours, condensation, and dampness.

What is most important to look for in a dehumidifier?

The most important aspects of a dehumidifier are its efficiency and the range that it’s covering. It’s important that the dehumidifier has capacity to effectively cover the size of the room or area of the home that you need it for.

When purchasing a dehumidifier, it’s essential that you choose a product that suits your environment. A desiccant dehumidifier is more suitable for mild-cold temperatures, whilst a compressor dehumidifier is better suited for warmer climates.

Always check the specifications of your dehumidifier to ensure that it is suitable for you.

How do I know which dehumidifier to choose?

Sensitive Choice has already done all the hard work for you by rigorously reviewing products and services through an independent expert panel, utilising professional knowledge and the latest research. All Sensitive Choice approved products carrying the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly logo have been identified as asthma and allergy friendly.

What you can do:

• Check the humidity in your home with a hygrometer, which is a device used to measure the humidity or the amount of water vapour in the air. These are sometimes included in thermometers or clocks.
• If your indoor humidity level is 51 per cent or above, aim to reduce the indoor humidity levels to between 30 to 50 per cent. Find tips to achieving this in our Indoor humidity levels fact sheet.
• Keep your eye out for the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly while out shopping, and check out the following dehumidifiers approved in New Zealand by Sensitive Choice:
  • Breville dehumidifiers
  • De’Longhi dehumidifiers