What are the health risks of living with black mould?

Moulds are hydrophilic fungi, meaning the microscopic spores that are in the atmosphere love moisture and are attracted to areas that are damp. Areas like the eyes, mouth and lungs of us humble human beings. Living with mould can bring on or exacerbate breathing difficulties, asthma and allergies, and in some cases may result in severe respiratory conditions that can be fatal.

You might notice increased sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing or irritated eyes and skin.

So, to ensure your property is safe to live in we must eradicate the black mould and stop it from returning.

Black mould cleaning

Advice from Property Care Association says, ‘To remove mould, wipe down walls and window frames with a preparatory mouldicide or fungicidal wash which carries a Health and Safety Executive approval number. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely which will provide longer term prevention. Spray containers of mouldicide can be obtained from chemists and retailers. Mould kits can be obtained from specialist suppliers. Dry clean affected clothes and shampoo carpets.

‘Disturbing the mould by brushing or vacuum cleaning can increase the risk of distribution of spores and respiratory problems.

‘After treatment, redecorate using a good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould. Note: this paint is not effective if overcoated with ordinary paints, emulsion or wallpaper. You can also obtain a mouldicide solution additive to mix with the paint. When wallpapering, use a paste containing a fungicide to prevent further mould growth. Using a dehumidifier can control the airborne moisture and help reduce this problem, however dehumidifiers will not solve the cause(s) of the condensation problem. The only lasting way of avoiding severe mould is to eliminate the cause of the dampness – condensation.’ (PCA)

Please note: Some off the shelf solutions may contain nitrates which are hygroscopic salts, meaning the residue they leave once dried may actually attract moisture to the area, and you begin the whole process of damp attracting spores again.

Really the best thing to do for mould prevention is to prevent condensation in the first place…

If you’re in doubt over undertaking the cleaning of black mould yourself, please get in touch with us. We have excellent relationships with specialist cleaners and can give you practical, real-life advice for your own living arrangements to help manage condensation.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.