Indoor mould is a public health issue requiring attention

As Nepal's monsoon season intensifies, bringing heavy rainfall, the focus often falls on floods and waterborne illnesses. However, a less visible but equally perilous threat is taking root within homes: indoor mould. This pervasive issue, often dismissed as a mere seasonal stain or musty odor, silently poisons the air and accumulates in the body over years of chronic exposure.

Moulds, a type of fungi, release aeroallergens, mycotoxins, and volatile organic compounds, all of which pose significant public health risks. These spores, entering homes from outdoors or carried in on clothing and pets, thrive on damp surfaces. Common culprits like Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys (black mould) release invisible aerospores that can trigger a range of allergic reactions, from sneezing and rhinitis to severe asthma attacks.

Nepal's climate, characterized by abundant moisture, warmth, and organic materials, creates an ideal environment for mould proliferation. Research in Kathmandu has linked visible mould in homes to respiratory and allergic illnesses, with high humidity and poor ventilation being key contributing factors. Furthermore, traditional building materials like mud brick, compressed earth, and untreated timber are hygroscopic, readily absorbing and retaining moisture, thus becoming perfect substrates for fungal growth.

The health implications of indoor mould are substantial. Studies indicate that indoor air can contain significantly higher levels of airborne fungi than outdoor air. Beyond allergic responses, exposure to mycotoxins, potent compounds released by certain moulds, can lead to cognitive impairment, immunosuppression, and an increased risk of cancer. Despite these risks, indoor mould remains largely unmonitored, presenting a silent health hazard that demands urgent attention and preventative measures.