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Jeanette Myburgh of Durban writes: My home always smells of damp in winter; what can I do to alleviate the problem?
Trevor Brewer, director of air treatment specialists Solenco, replies: In winter, excess moisture caused by rain and humidity results in all sorts of nuisances and hazards, even to our health – including everything from frizzy hair and slippery floors to smelly laundry, rust and even toxic mould. It can also cause symptoms such as a blocked nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, skin irritation or breathing difficulties. Look out for these culprits:
Heavy rains, flooding and leaks If your house has been affected by heavy rains or flooding, you could be dealing with damage to the roof and window frames. Structurally, this is dangerous, and you’ll need to get rid of any water and prevent more from getting in as soon as possible. In terms of your health, wet furniture causes mould and mould spreads quickly, creating spores that can enter the lungs and result in respiratory discomfort and sometimes more serious conditions, such as asthma.
