Mould is a common problem in houses of all styles and ages. If mould in your home isn’t treated, it can cause some serious health problems and can even damage the structure of your property. 

Prevention

Prevention is better than the cure for mould. The majority of mould infestations come from water damage, or surfaces that are naturally damp. Once ensuring any leaks are fixed, damp areas are dried and rooms are properly ventilated, take the time to ensure that the property is damp proofed. This will help reduce the chances that mould or damp is able to take hold in your property. If this gets worse, a professional damp proofing solution may be necessary.

Types of Mould

There are a great many types of mould that can grow in homes. Regardless of the type of mould that is present, it is important to identify and treat the growth as quickly as possible to prevent structural damage to the property or serious health effects.

1 – Alternaria

Alternaria is one of the most common types of mould found both indoors and outdoors. This mould usually appears in damp areas, such as the sink, shower, or dark, damp areas outside the property. If left untreated, this type of mould can cause an increased number of asthma attacks in sufferers, and allergic reactions.

2 – Aureobasidium

The aureobasidium mould is usually found on wooden furniture and both painted or wallpapered walls. This mould presents as a spotty substance that is pink and black in colour. This type of mould has been known to cause more severe allergic reactions than other moulds.

3 – Fusarium

Fusarium is an allergenic and potentially toxic mould that is usually pink, white or red. This mould is often found in carpet, wallpaper and other fabrics, and can naturally grow on food. Fusarium is a quick growing mould, that can cause skin infections and allergic reactions. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure can cause bone infections or a brain abscess.

4 – Penicillium

Whilst penicillium might be used in antibiotics and food processing, the mould in its pure form can cause health complaints. This common mould has a blue green colour, and spreads quickly in water damaged buildings. If inhaled, this mould can cause respiratory problems, pulmonary inflammation, and in severe cases, potentially chronic sinusitis.

5 – Stachybotrys Chartarum

This type of mould is also known as black mould, or toxic mould. This type of mould can create toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. Breathing in these toxins can cause breathing issues, sinus infections, depression, fatigue and more frequent asthma attacks.

6 – Trichoderma

Trichoderma usually presents as white or green woolly patches, however there are five different sub-species of this mould that can present differently. This allergenic mould is commonly found in wet fabrics, wallpaper, carpet and other surfaces where condensation has built up, such as air conditioning filters. Some trichoderma moulds are non-pathogenic, however others can produce mycotoxins and have the potential to cause sinusitis and allergic reactions.

7 – Ulocladium

Ulocladium is a typically black mould that tends to be found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and round windows where there is an unusually high level of condensation or serious water damage. This mould can cause hay fever-like reactions, skin complaints, asthma symptoms and difficulty breathing.