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Topic: Damp - Health Risk?

NottsP

30/3/2018 at 1:42pm
Location: None Entered
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Just showed some impacts of damp in my caravan to a repair place. It's one decent sized patch and as I imagined its not worth fixing due to the age of the van. They were however quick to say we shouldn't use the van as it's a health risk due to mould, spores all kinds of bad. Was this being overblown? Is that a real risk?! It's just one fair sized section. I get that it isn't great for the van, but we were going to use it with the kids for one more year.

tango55

30/3/2018 at 1:58pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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The best answer is to Google the question because mould spores can be released into the atmosphere and can be detrimental to some people who have health problems related to lung dysfunctions such as Asthma or Emphysema etc.
If you have been told that it's not safe for habitation and a risk to health then I would take that advice seriously as you can't turn back the clock if one of your children become seriously ill due to ignorance and something you could well regret afterwards just for the sake of one year.

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Geoff48

30/3/2018 at 2:22pm
Location: Bolton
Outfit: Avondale Dart 510 5

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Quote from a caravan insurance company giving health advice:-

Health risks associated with damp, mould and mildew
Many people underestimate the potential health problems caused by the presence of damp, mould and mildew, but the truth is that they can have a very serious effect on health, particularly in small children, the elderly and others with underlying health conditions.
The following are some of the most common health risks associated with damp:
•     Allergic reactions can be caused by inhaling spores
•     Those with asthma can experience asthma attacks or even added complications if mould and mildew spores are breathed into the lungs
•     People with weakened or compromised immune systems can be susceptible to lung infections when exposed to damp, mould and mildew
•     It’s not all about physical symptoms – mental health can also be affected. Some proven effects include memory loss, mood swings, chronic fatigue and migraines. Nothing particularly pleasant, we’re sure you will agree!
•     The skin is also prone to reacting to damp and spores – hives, skin rashes, eczema, bacterial infections and fungal infections are all possible
As you have no doubt realised by now, keeping your caravan clean, dry and free of damp will take some time and effort, but it is far preferable to risking the effects of not doing it. Always keep your health, and that of your family, friends and pets, as a priority (alongside your financial investment in the caravan, of course!)

chrisn7

30/3/2018 at 4:10pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011

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I would agree with the comments made so far - my daughter had the misfortune to find herself having rented a damp property for a while, and did indeed finish up with chest infections..

However a caravan is a slightly different issue, as the plastic wall covering tends to seal in the damp, so that, as we know, by the time you realise there is an issue it can be quite extensive. If you can detect the distinctive damp smell, I wouldn't risk it

NottsP

30/3/2018 at 4:29pm
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Thanks for the advice so far. Other than seeing the front left corner below the seats you wouldn't know there was anything wrong. There's no smell in there. Just cleared all the linen out and it's all dry, clean, no fust or anything. Its frustrating as this one corner of damp could put the whole van out of order.

It's pretty well known that almost any can offer 15-20 years old will have some damp, and there's a lot of them about. But then, that's their health, not mine.

Bramidan

30/3/2018 at 5:01pm
Location: Bucks
Outfit: Sun Living S70SC

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If you only use a caravan for pretty short periods and usually you are probably only going in the summer, I would have thought that, bearing in mind what the op has said in his last post, it seems a bit of over reaction to me.
Each to his own of course.

oxter

30/3/2018 at 5:12pm
Location: NE Scotland
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If you can first cure the leak, dry everything, remove mildew- you should be fine. Resealing window, or aluminium rail etc is essential.

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tango55

30/3/2018 at 8:51pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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Quote: Originally posted by NottsP on 30/3/2018
Thanks for the advice so far. Other than seeing the front left corner below the seats you wouldn't know there was anything wrong. There's no smell in there. Just cleared all the linen out and it's all dry, clean, no fust or anything. Its frustrating as this one corner of damp could put the whole van out of order.

It's pretty well known that almost any can offer 15-20 years old will have some damp, and there's a lot of them about. But then, that's their health, not mine.

Some people have had dodgy gas appliances kicking out dangerous carbon monoxide fumes over the years which can't be seen, produce no evidence of smell or taste but it doesn't mean that's it's safe to live in the same environment.

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