THE DANGERS OF MOULD: WHY SHOULD WE GET RID OF IT?

The Dangers of Mould: Why Should We Get Rid of It?

The Dangers of Mould: Why Should We Get Rid of It?

Blog Article

Our country has a reputation for being one of the cleanest in the world, but we Singaporeans still have our fair share of issues when it comes to keeping our workplaces hygienic by ourselves. That’s why many businesses in Singapore hire office cleaners to do the job for them. 

Mould is one of the issues these professional cleaning services handle. If left untreated, this problem can have various repercussions on our well-being. 

But what makes mould such an urgent concern that we should address? To help us gain a better understanding, let’s first discuss what mould is and the risks it carries. Then we can learn how to deal with its causes. 

What Exactly is Mould? 


Mould is a type of fungus that grows in moist, warm places — which are very common in tropical climates like Singapore’s. It spreads by releasing spores into the air, which then settles on damp surfaces. 

There are many types of mould you can find indoors, each of them having a distinct appearance. For instance, Stachybotrys chartarum or black mould is slimy and has a dark green or black colour. Meanwhile, Cladosporium has a texture akin to suede and an olive-green or brown hue. 

The Health Risks of Mould


There are a variety of health issues that mould exposure can bring to the workplace. Generally speaking, they’re particularly dangerous to people with the following complications: 

  • Respiratory problems - Mould spores can irritate the throat and lungs if inhaled, causing coughs, wheezing, and shortness of breath. They can also exacerbate your asthma if you have this condition. 



  • Allergic reactions - People allergic to mould often suffer from sneezing, itchy skin, and watery eyes. 



  • Weak immunity - Being exposed to mould can also lead to fungal infections in individuals who have compromised immune systems. 


In some severe cases, prolonged mould exposure can be fatal due to all the complications it can cause. It would be best to get rid of the growth before anything drastic happens. 

What Can Make Mould Spread in the Workplace?


We know that mould grows where there is moisture. So what can cause such conditions in the office? Let’s take a look at some possible 

  • Leakages - A leaking pipe or roof can make your walls, ceilings, or floors damp. 



  • Flooding - Water damage from floods can also cause mould to grow indoors, especially when various materials take too long to dry. 

  • Poor Ventilation - Your office may lack adequate airflow to keep the humidity levels down indoors.


How Can We Get Rid of Mould in the Office?


It is possible to clean up the mould ourselves, though be sure to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, long-sleeved clothes, and a face mask first. You should also keep the room well-ventilated so the space can dry out faster. 

To kill the mould on hard surfaces, you can use a scrub brush and a solution made up of one cup of bleach and a gallon of water. Soft surfaces like clothes, bedding, and upholstery can be washed with hot water instead. 

Here are a few more pointers to prevent further mould growth: 

  • Be sure to fix any leaks immediately. 

  • You can also invest in a dehumidifier to have more control over your office’s humidity levels. 

  • Install more exhaust fans where possible, especially in the bathroom and pantry. 

  • Consider repainting the walls with mould-resistant paint. 


Ask Singapore’s Office Cleaners for Help 


DIY cleaning may suffice for minor mould growths, but it is always wiser to let the professionals handle matters if worse comes to worst. 

There are expert office cleaners in Singapore who know how to clean mould safely and effectively to minimise the risk to your employees’ health. They can also help find the root cause of the mould so you can prevent future outbreaks. 

So if you ever discover mould growing in your building, don’t wait for it to spread and put you and your workers in more danger. With problems like these, it’s better to invest in an early intervention so you can save more time, money, and stress in the long run. 

Go ahead and call a cleaning service today if you need their help — it might just save your business.

Report this page