You’re getting ready for a good night’s sleep when you suddenly catch a musty smell coming from the walls. As you take a closer look, you notice a patch of dark, damp spots – the telltale signs of black mould. Now you’re left wondering: is it safe to stay the night, or should you find somewhere else to sleep?

As the South’s leading damp and mould specialists, we at Prokil get this question a lot. To help you make the right decision, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about black mould and why sleeping near it may not be the best idea.

What is black mould?

Black mould is a type of fungus that typically appears dark green or black. It thrives in damp, humid environments and can grow on various surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. It often feels slimy to the touch and has a musty smell.

Contrary to popular belief, black mould isn’t always more dangerous than other types of mould. However, certain kinds, like Stachybotrys chartarum (often called “toxic black mould”), can release mycotoxins that may lead to a variety of health issues.

Is it harmful to sleep near black mould?

Generally, yes. Black mould can release harmful spores that may lead to various health issues, particularly for individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Sleeping near mould increases your exposure to these spores, putting you at a higher risk of:

• Allergic reactions: Mould spores can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Respiratory problems: Inhaling mould spores can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
• Mycotoxins: Some types of black mould produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances. Exposure to mycotoxins can cause a variety of health issues, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, and neurological problems.
• Fungal infections: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the harmful effects of mould exposure. This includes an increased risk of fungal infections and other health complications.

What should you do instead?

While a single night of exposure to black mould might not cause immediate, severe health issues, it’s still not ideal. Even short-term exposure can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. If you can, consider sleeping elsewhere and contact a professional mould removal service to address the issue. They can treat the mould directly and address the root cause to keep it from returning in the future.

Get help from the South’s leading black mould treatment specialists

Don’t let black mould get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Our specialists have been battling damp and mould for over 50 years, so you can trust us to handle any infestation, no matter the size.

When we visit your home, we’ll carry out an in-depth survey to identify the source of the damp and mould. Once we’ve pinpointed the issue, we’ll take action to safely remove affected areas and replace them with fresh materials. We’ll also address the root cause to prevent future mould growth, whether that means repairing leaks, installing damp proofing, or improving ventilation. The result? A clean, safe, and healthy space where you can sleep easy once again.

Ready to take the next step? Book a survey online or call us on 0800 048 9488 today!