How Dirty Paving Can Lead to Illness

Paving itself isn't toxic, but what grows and gathers on it can be. When driveways, patios and walkways go uncleaned, they become a home for mould, algae, bacteria and pollutants, and some of these affect your health in ways people rarely think about.

1. Mould and mildew exposure

Damp, dirty paving, especially in shady areas or along walls that never see direct sun, is ideal for mould and mildew. As it grows it releases spores into the air, and those can cause:

• Allergic reactions and sneezing
• Skin irritation
• Worsened asthma symptoms
• Other respiratory problems

People with allergies or weakened immune systems are most affected.

2. Slippery algae, falls and injuries

Algae isn't an illness, but it makes paving extremely slippery when wet. After a Highveld afternoon thunderstorm, a green or black driveway can become dangerous. Falls cause cuts, bruises and sprains, and open wounds in contact with dirty surfaces can become infected. Shaded driveways, pool surrounds and walkways are the usual culprits.

3. Bacteria build-up

Bird droppings, decaying leaves, pet waste and standing water all leave organic matter on paving, and that can harbour bacteria such as E. coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella. It doesn't stay outside, either: it spreads on hands, shoes, paws and toys straight into your home.

4. Pests

Dirty, overgrown paving gives pests somewhere to live:

• Mosquitoes breed in water pooled in blocked drains and sunken pavers.
• Rodents are drawn by debris and food waste.
• Insects such as ants and cockroaches nest in weedy joints.

Clean paving leaves them fewer places to hide and breed.

5. Airborne dust and debris

In the dry Gauteng winter, dirty paving releases fine dust every time someone walks or drives over it. That can trigger sinus irritation, coughing, asthma flare-ups and eye irritation, especially on busy driveways and in windy spots.

Who's most at risk?

• Children who play outside, close to the ground
• Elderly family members, who are more vulnerable to slips and falls
• Anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions
• People with mould allergies
• Pets, who walk, lie on and lick these surfaces

The bottom line

Dirty paving doesn't directly cause disease, but the contaminants on it can affect your family's health. Regular cleaning, especially pressure washing, removes mould, algae and bacteria at the source instead of just pushing them around.

See the difference in our mould and algae clean-up project, or find out more about our paving cleaning service.