Mould is something all homeowners and landlords need to be wary of. Aside from being unsightly, it can cause serious health problems for anyone living within the affected property.
Prokil have been successfully treating mould for over 50 years. In this post, we explain what mould is, the dangers it poses to your health, and when you need to get it looked at by a professional.
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows on dead organic material. It thrives in dark, humid conditions and can be commonly found in both nature and urban areas. More than 100,000 mould species have been identified throughout the world.
In nature, mould plays an important role in breaking down organic matter like dead plants and fallen leaves. Inside buildings, however, it can cause structural damage and a wealth of health problems for those that live there.
Building materials that are exposed to moisture are an ideal breeding ground for mould, which is why it is mostly found in bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms affected by damp. Because mould can penetrate deep into materials, a mould problem may be more severe than it appears on the surface.
If you suspect a mould problem in your property, it’s important to get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. They will have specialist tools to properly assess the extent of the damp issue, and can offer remedial treatments to remove the mould before it gets worse.
Can mould make me sick?
For most people, exposure to mould over a short period of time will not cause any harm. However, extended periods of exposure can lead to complications. For more vulnerable individuals, such as those with existing respiratory problems or compromised immune systems, mould can lead to serious health concerns down the line.
What health problems can mould cause?
Mould reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air or water. When inhaled, these spores can cause breathing problems, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and have even been linked with depression and anxiety.
Certain groups are more at risk of mould-related health problems than others:
- People with asthma or allergies
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with skin problems
- Elderly people
- Infants and children
How do you treat a mould problem?
The first step is to identify whether your home has a mould or mildew problem. Mildew is milder and can usually be removed by yourself, whilst mould is more severe and requires professional treatment. For a more in-depth explanation, read through our guide to telling mould and mildew apart.
Once you’ve determined the issue, get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. The longer mould is left untreated, the more time it has to spread throughout your property and the harder it will be to remove.
Don’t be tempted to try and remove mould yourself – unlike mildew, mould can penetrate deep within the structure of your home and is often not visible to the naked eye. It’s impossible to know how bad the problem is unless it is analysed with specialist tools. Mould spores can also spread when you attempt to remove it, which can be a health concern.
What responsibilities do landlords have to tackle mould?
Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that their property is free from damp and mould caused by structural issues, as is the case with penetrating and rising damp. If a tenant reports mould in their flat, you must arrange for a damp survey and have it treated within a reasonable time.
Leaving mould untreated after being informed of its presence can be classed as landlord negligence. Tenants may have the right to seek compensation from you if they believe you did not act appropriately to deal with the situation. If you are a landlord in this situation, don’t hesitate to contact our team for further advice and to arrange a survey.
Talk to our mould treatment specialists
At Prokil, we specialise in identifying and eliminating mould in properties across the South and Wales.
If you’re concerned about mould, one of our skilled surveyors can pay a visit to your property to perform a thorough damp survey. They will draft up an accurate report on the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action for treating it. If you’re happy to go ahead, they will then provide you with a competitively priced quote for our mould removal service.
When removing mould from your home, we take care to work around your schedule and minimise disruption to your daily life. We work cleanly and efficiently, clearing away any mess and ensuring that all mould has been thoroughly removed from your property. You’ll be left with total peace of mind that your property is a safe and clean place to live.
Book a damp survey online or call us on 0800 048 9488 – we’re happy to answer any questions and explain our process more in depth.