In the average British home, there can be a wide variety of different moulds that can develop in damp areas, most commonly on walls, caused by condensation damp, penetrating damp, rising damp and others.
What is mould?
Mould often occurs as a result of condensation where humidity in the air condenses on surfaces which are low enough in temperature and can cause severe damage if left untreated. To stop and limit the spread of mould in your home you should always consult mould specialists for treatment and mould removal advice.
It is often the case that mould is identified by its colour – for example black, white, green, grey and brown – the list is endless!
The effects of mould
The general rule is that any type of mould can be harmful to humans and animals in certain circumstances. The mould will produce spores which are released into the air and inhaled, and these can trigger adverse reactions in humans. Common symptoms of mould exposure include runny nose, cough, chest congestion and eye irritation.
Certain types of black mould can be more severe as they are toxigens, meaning they produce toxins, however there are some black moulds that are harmless, so it’s best to get a damp specialist to investigate to be sure.
What are the different types of mould?
Over 100,000 species of mould exist worldwide but less than 100 are commonly found in UK homes. The two most usually found mould species are Penicillium and Cladosporium which are found in 95.7% and 88.7% respectively of all dwellings tested. Other commonly found moulds are Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Stachybotrys.
Across the UK, it is fair to say that the most common household moulds are usually black, white or green in colour and can only be correctly identified by sample analysis. If you have any concerns about mould growing in your home or office, contact Prokil immediately and we will be able to help. Our expert professional damp specialists will be able to identify the type of damp, and the best removal options.
Contact Prokil today via 0800 048 9488 to speak to an expert member of our team, or book a no obligation home survey today.
*Select surveys may incur a cost, contact us for more information.
