Expert issues warning on dangers of black mould and…

Expert issues warning on dangers of black mould and explains how to deal with it

Black mould will become a more common sight in households across the UK as temperatures drop this winter.

Mould thrives in places with high moisture levels, which is more likely when homes aren't well ventilated. The mould is known as stachybotrys chartarum and is a direct consequence of condensation, which is when hot, moist air meets cold, dry air.

Black mould bad can be bad for your home, but it can also harm your health. The NHS warns that if you have damp and mould at home, you're more likely to have respiratory problems and infections and sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash - as The Daily Record reports.

The head of technical at Building Engineering Services Association says mould can trigger other serious conditions. Graeme Fox said: "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,

He added: "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."

Homeowners should get rid of black mould as soon as it starts to appear. Failing to deal with the problem early on could make it worse in later months, which could prove costly while making living conditions dangerous.

Mr Fox recommends focussing on rooms that tend to be damp. 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."

As you inhale mould spores in the air, they can harm your respiratory system - that is, the parts of your body that helps the body breathe.

Damp and mould can also affect your immune system weakening your body's way of protecting from illness. Some groups of people are more sensitive to mould and its harm, like babies and immunocompromised people.

The NHS recommends these groups should avoid damp and mould: