The mould dodgers: How Australians are moving out of their homes and living in tents miles from civilisation to avoid coming into contact with fungus

  • Richard Barry, 32,  said he suffered from neurological symptoms due to mould
  • Mr Barry was diagnosed with chronic fatigue but was in disbelief of the cause
  • A Federal Inquiry into potential illnesses from mould received 100 submissions 

By Paula Ahillon and Lauren Ferri For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 06:48 EST, 10 November 2018 | Updated: 06:48 EST, 10 November 2018

Australians are going to extreme lengths to avoid coming into contact with mould.    

Known as 'mould avoiders', they are a group of individuals who become severely sick when they are around mould.

Richard Barry, 32, has had to spend most of his days constantly aware of his surroundings in order to avoid a reaction.

Mr Barry spent years of his life in and out of doctors' offices in an attempt to figure out why he was always feeling sick and exhausted, Nine News reported.

A mould infestation inside his home was so intense that Richard Barry (pictured) began to notice concerning neurological symptoms

A mould infestation inside his home was so intense that Richard Barry (pictured) began to notice concerning neurological symptoms

Mr Barry first began to be affected by mould when his family moved into a home in Balgowlah, on Sydney's northern beaches, that was high in humidity (stock image) 

Mr Barry first began to be affected by mould when his family moved into a home in Balgowlah, on Sydney's northern beaches, that was high in humidity (stock image) 

At just 17 years of age, he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and soon fell down a 'rabbit hole' trying to find a cure.

Mr Barry first began to be affected by mould when his family moved into a home in Balgowlah, on Sydney's northern beaches, that was high in humidity. 

'Mould would grow on clothes very quickly and there was just a lot of superficial mould in the bathroom,' Mr Barry told Nine News. 

Despite continually seeking medical advice and being diagnosed with chronic illnesses, the 32-year-old's health continued to decline.

After years of dealing with the struggles, Mr Barry moved into an apartment in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, when he was 27 that caused more health issues.

The mould infestation was so intense, the healthy and fit young man began to notice concerning neurological symptoms.

'My brain shut down. I literally couldn't remember what year it was,' Mr Barry (pictured) said when talking about his mould-related illness

'My brain shut down. I literally couldn't remember what year it was,' Mr Barry (pictured) said when talking about his mould-related illness

'I could barely talk. I was stammering. I was fully housebound. I couldn't walk to the end of my street. My brain shut down. I literally couldn't remember what year it was,' Mr Barry said.

Not long after, Mr Barry chose to move in with his father to Budend in Victoria and finally found relief from the symptoms.

The 32-year-old immediately noticed a change in his health, going from barely sleeping each night to suddenly sleeping perfectly.

After reading that mould could be the factor behind some of the illnesses, Mr Barry thought it was a bit far fetched.

He began to explore the idea and soon found that his health was vastly better when he kept away from the toxin.

He has also spent the past two years living in a tent up and down the east coast of New South Wales.  

Mr Barry said the first night he slept in a new tent he bought was the most profound shift in his health.

'It was immediate. My brain felt clear and I had word recollection immediately,' he said.  

An inquiry in Australia reveals those suffering from the illness were due to the fact their properties had significant amounts of mould (stock image) 

An inquiry in Australia reveals those suffering from the illness were due to the fact their properties had significant amounts of mould (stock image) 

A recent Federal Government inquiry into mould-related illnesses received more than 100 submissions. 

The inquiry in Australia reveals those suffering from the illness were due to the fact their properties had significant amounts of mould.

Tenants have voiced their concerns after struggling to get landlords to address their complaints seriously. 

Those with mould-related illnesses usually have symptoms affecting their respiratory system such as coughing, watery eyes and skin irritation. 

But mould could also lead to more serious health problems such as memory loss, insomnia, anxiety and depression. 

President of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating's Building Physics Special Technical Group Jesse Clark said 'prevention is better than cure' when it comes to address mould-related illnesses. 

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Mould dodgers: The Australians going to extreme lengths to treat chronic illness

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