After weeks of relentless rain and record-breaking floods along Australia’s east coast, a new and insidious threat is quietly creeping into thousands of homes: mould.
While it might not sound as dramatic as a cyclone or as visible as a flooded street, unchecked mould growth can pose a serious risk to your health and home, especially for older Australians who may be more vulnerable to respiratory issues.
Let’s set the scene. Cyclones and tropical storms have battered Queensland, while parts of northern New South Wales have seen more than 500 millimetres of rain in just a few days.
Combining all that moisture with warmth and organic material (think wood, paper, or even household dust) gives you the perfect recipe for mould to flourish.
It’s not just a matter of a few unsightly spots on the bathroom ceiling. Social media is awash with photos from renters and homeowners alike, showing everything from black patches on walls to, in one extreme case, actual mushrooms sprouting indoors.
One Queensland mum recently shared her harrowing experience: after her rental home was inundated, she and her family suffered severe health issues, including a relentless cough, dizziness, and even a respiratory infection in her newborn.
The damage? $13,000 worth of belongings destroyed, and a hospital stay for the mum herself.
‘This isn’t just mould—this is negligence,’ she wrote, highlighting the real consequences of ignoring the problem.
How does mould affect your health?
According to Professor Rebecca Bentley from Melbourne University’s department of health sciences, mould exposure symptoms can instantly appear for those with allergies or sensitivities or might take time to develop. The most common signs include:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Irritated eyes and skin
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
For some, especially those with asthma, compromised immune systems, or chronic lung conditions, the effects can be much more severe.
What should you do if you spot mould? First things first: act quickly. Mould can take hold at least 24 to 48 hours after water damage. Here’s what the experts recommend:
- Remove and discard porous items (like mattresses, carpets, and soft furnishings) that have been wet for over two days and can’t be thoroughly cleaned.
- Dry out your home as soon as possible. Open all doors and windows, and use fans or air-conditioners on dry mode to speed up the process.
- Check hidden spaces like roof cavities and behind walls—these can be hotspots for mould after flooding.
- Repair leaks in plumbing, roofs, and fixtures immediately to prevent further moisture build-up.
- Consider anti-mould paint for walls and other hard surfaces prone to dampness.
- Clear plants and soil away from exterior walls, as they can trap moisture and encourage mould growth.
Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp, head of Australia’s only environmental mycology laboratory, warned that many people underestimate the problem.
‘Right now, it’s not just a condensation issue because you literally had “rain bombs” dropping and often the houses aren’t built for that extreme amount of water,’ she said.
Reaching for the bleach is tempting, but experts say this can worsen things. Bleach may remove the colour but doesn’t kill the mould at its roots, especially if the underlying moisture problem isn’t fixed.
Instead, look for commercial plant-based products made from essential oils, or consult a professional if the problem is severe.
If you’re renting, it’s essential to know that the property owner is generally responsible for addressing damage caused by flooding, including mould.
This means they should monitor for signs of mould, improve ventilation, and fix leaks promptly. If you’re struggling to get your landlord to take action, document everything and seek advice from your local tenants’ union or consumer affairs office.
Have you found an effective way to tackle mould? Did you have trouble getting your landlord to act? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Floods hit dairy farmers hard—is your milk supply at risk?
