Over 1 in 5 Brits sleep next to dangerous mould

A shocking 85% of Brits have encountered mould in the home, and experts are now revealing the scary health risks, as well as where it could be hiding in your house.

With mould most common from October through to April, experts are revealing which moulds are the most toxic to humans, especially children, and even pets, as well as how to remove them safely. To find out how serious the mould crisis is, Homebase, the helpful home and garden experts, conducted a study of over 2,000 Brits to reveal how many have mould, as well as the hotspots in the home that need attention.

22% sleep each night with dangerous mould in their bedroom, while 15% have mould in their kitchen. Homebase found the bathroom was the worst space, with 49% reporting issues. Windows are a problem spot, too, with 14% having mould issues, while 10% report having mouldy ceilings. Worryingly, 9% have no idea that mould can cause health issues and only 15% of Brits say they haven't ever had a mould issue in their home.

Currently, 8% of the UK have mould-related health problems, such as:- wheezing, allergies and respiratory issues, increasing to 18% of millennials, or "Generation Rent."

Any type of mould in the home can be dangerous. However, 'stachybotrys chartarum,' or black mould, is most commonly known as toxic mould. It can cause a huge range of health issues for humans and even pets; with children at a greater risk. A fifth of the UK (19%) currently have toxic black mould in their home. Milder symptoms of black mould, according to the NHS, can include:- headaches, skin rashes and respiratory damage, while long term exposure to mould can cause chronic illness. With repeated exposure, you inhale toxic trichothecenes, which can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory response syndrome.

How to deal with mould issues...

Removing mould safely is important. To remove mould, experts at Homebase suggest:-

• You should treat any damp issues 1st, as this can be a driving factor.
   

• Then, remove mould by wiping down walls and surfaces with a fungicidal wash, which can be left for 24 hours before thoroughly rinsing with clean water.
   

• Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and a face mask, as mould spores can travel in the air when cleaning.

To further help those worried about mould, Jimmy Englesoz, Product Manager at Ronseal and all round DIY pro, says innovative anti-mould paint can make a huge difference:- "Fundamentally, these paint products make the surface of your walls inconducive for mould to live on, whether it's a chemical that prevents the mould directly or a formula that insulates the walls. It's a common mistake for people to use Anti Mould Paint and then paint over with a colourful paint. Anti Mould paint needs to be your topcoat with the biocide protecting the surface of your walls to work correctly. If you paint over it, you're painting over the protective barrier and giving mould a surface it can live on. Also, try to avoid condensation building up for 24 hours while the paint sets. If you're painting in a bathroom and then shower straight after, allowing moisture into the room will impact the finish and therefore the effectiveness of the biocide as a result."

To protect the damp areas of your home, please visit:- HomeBase.Co.UK.

New NHS report shows increase in HRT prescriptions

MANY people go through the menopause every year, experiencing symptoms such as:- low mood, anxiety, hot flushes and difficulty sleeping. Some symptoms can be severe and have a negative impact on everyday life.

Many people go through the menopause every year, experiencing symptoms such as:- low mood, anxiety, hot flushes and difficulty sleeping. Some symptoms can be severe and have a negative impact on everyday life.

NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has released a new report:- 'Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT]; England; April 2015 to June 2023.' The report include:- all drugs that are covered by the HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), which reduces the costs of prescriptions.

Key findings show that in England in 2022/23:-

• 11 million items were prescribed for HRT, a 47% increase from 2021/22.
   

• An estimated 2.3 million identified patients were prescribed HRT drugs, a 29% increase from 2021/22.
   

• More than twice as many patients were prescribed HRT drugs in the least deprived areas compared to the most deprived.
   

• The proportion of HRT prescribing that is exempt from prescription charges has increased from April 2023, reversing a downwards trend from 2015/16 onwards. This coincides with the introduction of the HRT PPC.

To read the full statistical report go to:- NHSBSA.NHS.UK.

The HRT PPC covers an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines for 12 months, for the cost of 2 single prescription charges, currently:- £19.30. It is available to buy online at:- NHSBSA.NHS.UK, or in person at some pharmacies.

Before buying an HRT PPC, a patient should check if they're eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the online eligibility checker. Also, if their medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication visit:- NHSBSA.NHS.UK. A 3 or 12 month PPC may be more suitable. It covers all NHS prescriptions, including:- HRT items, see:- NHSBSA.NHS.UK/PPC.