Bec Oakes
A 'silent killer' is set to make its return to UK homes, with some pretty big warning signs to look out for.
Christmas may be getting ever closer - just 68 days to go guys (Mariah is defrosting as we speak) - but the cold winter months also bring about a few unwelcome side effects.
The shorter daylight hours can result in seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasonal cycle.
Bad weather can also have a nasty impact on your physical health.
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The cold, wet weather we can expect in the coming months can cause parts of your home to become damp, making them breeding grounds for mould.
Mould is often fuzzy with black, white or green patches and comes with an unpleasant musty odour.
It usually forms in colder areas of the home and the most common cause of mould in the UK is condensation; often found in places with high moisture levels like bathrooms, kitchens and on and around windows.
If condensation is left to sit, the surface can become damp and create the conditions needed for mould to grow.
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There are a number of serious health risks associated with it, including respiratory illnesses, trigger allergies and asthma, with people who are immunocompromised more at risk. In severe cases, it can even kill you.
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Now, Natural Cures has shared the three biggest warning signs for mould in a TikTok video that's been viewed 1.8 million times.
"Number one would be serious serious brain fog, not being able to have a thought. Head's in the clouds. You almost feel like you're disconnected from your body.
"The second thing would be severe anxiety that has come up all of a sudden," they continued. "Things that were small are amplified very big because of the toxicity of the mould."
They went on to explain that severe muscle pain similar to fibromyalgia can also be a symptom.
"Those are probably my indications that I'm dealing with mould."
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While mould can be extremely nasty, there are a few NHS-recommended things you can do to combat it.
First, take shorter showers and ensure your bathroom extractor fan is switched on to stop the steam from turning into condensation.
On top of this, opening your windows when cooking or drying washing indoors can help let the moisture in the air escape.
Wiping down surfaces can also stop moisture from pooling on windowsills and walls and don't forget to check for leaky pipes or gutters that can make problems worse.