Found commonly in the homes of the UK, black mould can pose a serious health risk to those who come into contact with it.
More formally called stachybotrys chartaruma, black mould thrives best in areas with high water levels.
The implications for people living with the damp-loving fungus can be severe and mould can thrive in winter, when people are less likely to properly ventilate their homes due to heating being on and windows being shut, the Daily Record reports.
Head of Technical at the Building Engineering Services Association, Graeme Fox, says the mould can lead to allergic reactions and asthma attacks and worsen existing lung conditions.
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Here's everything you need to know about black mould:
How black mould can harm your health
Black mould is damaging for your house as well as your health, causing issues for people as they breathe in the fungus. In fact, the NHS warn that it increases the likelihood of sneezing, infections, a runny nose and eye rash as well as respiratory problems.
Simply touching or inhaling the spores can be enough for an asthma attack or allergic reaction for some, with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash common.
Damp and mould also have the ability to harm your immune system, potentially suppressing the way your body works to fight off illness.
The dangers of the mould are more pronounced for certain groups of people, such as:
- Babies and children
- Elderly people
- Those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
- Those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
- Those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy
"Mould in the home can have serious consequences on the health of occupants in terms of potentially triggering asthma attacks, allergic reactions or exacerbating existing lung conditions," says Mr Fox.
"Mould spores are the result of damp conditions and humidity that can often be readily addressed with good ventilation in the home which prevents the build-up in the first place and disperses airborne mould spores as they develop."
How to get rid of black mould
If you think you have black mould in your home you should do all that you can to get rid of it. According to experts, ventilation is absolutely crucial - even in winter.
The longer it is left, the more the risk is run that the problem will get worse making it harder to remove and potentially leading to more severe health concerns.
Mr Fox says rooms with a tendency for dampness, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are a good place to focus your attention.
He said: "Areas, where humid conditions are particularly common, include bathrooms and kitchens where showers/baths and cooking by-products are common.
"These areas of the home should have fully functional ventilation installed and maintained by a competent professional to ensure the humid conditions don’t build up in the first place."
