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Health on the Costa Blanca - why humidity makes you ill

Mould and health on the Costa Blanca - why damp makes you ill

Mould in the home is more than just a visual problem: it can irritate the airways, increase allergies and make you tired. How to effectively prevent damp and mould on the Costa Blanca.

Mould is not a blemish. It is an invisible roommate that silently and insidiously makes you ill - and on the Costa Blanca it has an easy time of it. The Mediterranean climate with high humidity, little heating in winter and uninsulated walls creates the perfect conditions for mould to spread. What many people underestimate: Even small amounts of mould spores in the indoor air can have a lasting effect on health.

The body reacts - often before you see the mould
Moisture and mould put a strain on the immune system. Their spores and metabolic products enter the bronchial tubes via the air we breathe and can trigger inflammation there. Typical symptoms are
- Chronic cough, irritated airways or wheezing breathing
- Headaches, concentration problems and permanent fatigue
- Burning eyes, skin irritation
or unexplained rashes
- Increased allergies and asthma attacks

Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly sensitive. Studies show that the risk of respiratory diseases and allergic reactions is up to 40% higher in damp homes.

Why the climate on the Costa Blanca is exacerbating the problem
Unlike in northern Europe, many houses here are barely insulated. In the cooler months of the year, it often remains damp and cool indoors - ideal conditions for condensation and mould growth. Added to this is rising damp from the ground, which occurs in both old and new buildings. This combination results in a permanently high level of humidity - and therefore a constant burden on the air we breathe.

Healthy indoor air protects - in the long term
Mould thrives where there is air and moisture remains. Those who consistently dehumidify their living spaces and ventilate them properly do more for their health than many household remedies.
Particularly important:

- Ventilate in bursts instead of continuously: Open all windows wide several times a day, especially after sleeping, cooking or showering.
- Use dehumidifiers regularly: In bedrooms, bathrooms and cellar rooms - they measurably reduce humidity.
- Even temperatures: Keep the room temperature as constant as possible, no extreme fluctuations.

- Keep your distance: Do not place furniture and textiles directly against external walls or floors - otherwise moisture will build up.

If mould becomes visible - act, don't cover it up
A musty odour, dark stains on walls or condensation on windows are alarm signals. Small areas can be cleaned superficially, but it is crucial to eliminate the cause.
Mould on walls or behind cupboards can already be a massive burden on the indoor air. Cleaning agents that only cover up the film do not solve the problem. In the case of rising damp, only structural remediation by specialised companies will help.

The home as a health factor
Our living spaces have a greater impact on our well-being than many people realise. A permanently humid climate can not only promote illness, but also put a strain on the cardiovascular system, reduce the quality of sleep and lower general energy levels.
Healthy living therefore also means consciously controlling the indoor climate - through regular ventilation, dehumidification and paying attention to structural warning signs.

Mould is not a trivial matter, but a health risk. If you act early, you not only protect your walls - but above all your lungs.