A Hidden Danger in Your Home Know the Risks, Take Action & Stay Protected
🔎 Understanding Mould & Its Impact | ⚖️ Awaab’s Law – A Step Towards Safer Homes
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What Is Mould?
Mould often appears unexpectedly in homes and business properties. While common, it can pose serious health risks, especially to children, pets, and others. To help, we’ve created a comprehensive guide covering mould testing, the various types to watch for, and how to effectively remove, treat, and restore areas affected by mould.
Awaab’s Law: An Overview
Awaab’s Law has been introduced to address the issues of damp and mould in social housing. It’s essential to understand that Awaab’s Law is part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, and the mandatory responsibilities outlined below apply specifically to landlords and tenants in social housing. The law introduces key concepts such as:
Mandatory Action for Landlords
Social housing landlords are now required to promptly investigate and address any issues related to damp and mould.
Strengthened Powers of the Housing Ombudsman
The law strengthens the authority of the Housing Ombudsman, allowing them to more effectively monitor landlords' compliance.
Inclusion in Tenancy Agreements
These rules are integrated into tenancy contracts, giving tenants the legal right to demand acceptable living conditions.
What causes mould in our homes and business properties?
Many of you may be wondering what causes mould on your walls, ceilings, and bathrooms. Understanding the root cause is key to effectively tackling the issue. We offer specialist mould testing, cleaning, and removal services, ensuring your property remains mould-free and safe for both humans and animals. If you need mould cleaning, remedial work, or restoration services, get in touch with your local mould specialist today.
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Humidity
Humidity is a leading cause of mould growth, which is why it's commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. These areas experience steam from showering and cooking, creating more humid conditions than other rooms. Mould can also develop near windows, above them, and in corners where humidity can seep in, leading to mould growth within the property.
Condensation
Condensation is another key factor in mould growth. It occurs when warm air meets cold surfaces, trapping moisture in the air and creating conditions for mould to form. As a result, you'll often see mould on hard, cold surfaces like tiles, windows, and grout. Ensuring proper ventilation in your property can help it "breathe," gradually reducing condensation and preventing mould growth.
Rising damp
Our Surface Sampling service involves collecting samples from surfaces affected by mould or mildew. These samples are tested to determine the type and extent of contamination, helping identify the best course of action for remediation and ensuring your property is safe and healthy.
State Of the Art Mould Removal Services in UK
Poor Ventilation
Mould can develop without adequate ventilation, as condensation from daily activities like drying clothes indoors, cooking, and showering adds moisture to the air. Installing extractor fans and ducting units can help improve ventilation and reduce the buildup of moisture.
What mould can do to your health
Living in a home or working in an office with mould can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Mould can trigger a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, depression, allergic reactions, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and skin issues, among others.
It may affect certain groups of people more than others, such as:Â Elderly individuals, infants and children, people with existing skin conditions like eczema, those with respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma, and individuals with weakened immune systems, like those undergoing chemotherapy, are particularly vulnerable to mould-related health problems. Mould can even cause health issues in animals.
Alternaria
Alternaria mould has a velvet-like texture, often appearing with dark green or brown hairs. It thrives in damp areas like showers, baths, or under leaky sinks. While it can grow year-round, it is most common between July and September. Due to its rapid spread, it’s important to remove it as soon as it’s detected.
Health hazards
Alternaria mould can trigger asthma-like symptoms, affecting the upper respiratory tract, nose, and mouth. This can impact people of all ages, including the young, middle-aged, and elderly.
Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium starts as pink, brown, or black in color and typically darkens to a deeper brown as it ages. It is one of the most common types of mould found on walls and often grows behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces.
Health hazards
Aureobasidium can cause eye, skin, and nail infections and should never be touched with bare skin.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a greenish-brown mould with a suede-like texture. It can thrive in both cold and warm climates, often found on indoor materials such as upholstery, fabrics, carpets, and even inside cupboards or under floorboards.
Health hazards
Cladosporium can trigger allergic reactions in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and worsen asthma symptoms and sinusitis. Due to its potential to cause skin and lung irritation, it should never be handled directly.
Penicillium
Penicillium is a blue or green mould with a velvety texture. It commonly grows on spoiled food and materials like wood, carpets, wallpapers, and mattresses. This mould is present year-round, with growth peaking between January and February.
Health hazards
Penicillium spores can become airborne and be inhaled by occupants, leading to asthma and sinusitis. It poses a greater risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, as it can worsen their symptoms and cause additional health complications.
Black mould (Stachybotrys)
Black mould is typically dark green or black with a slimy texture, often mistaken for dirt. Humidity and damp conditions are the main causes of its growth. It is commonly found on windowsills, especially in damp areas with high humidity, such as bathroom windows. Black mould can also grow on natural materials like wood, aluminum, wicker, and paper.
Health hazards
While black mould is generally harmless, exposure to a specific strain called Stachybotrys can cause symptoms such as burning sensations in the airways, nosebleeds, fatigue, sinusitis, fever, headaches, and a persistent cough. Stachybotrys is particularly dangerous to children, so it’s crucial to remove it from your home and seek professional help promptly.
How to deal with mould and how to treat it
Your home should be a safe haven, so it’s important to know how to keep it free from harmful mould. Thankfully, a variety of mould and mildew sprays are available, or you can make a natural homemade spray using vinegar and borax. When dealing with mould, always wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask, to ensure your safety during the cleaning process.
Awaab’s Law: An Overview
Awaab’s Law has been introduced to address the issues of damp and mould in social housing. It’s essential to understand that Awaab’s Law is part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, and the mandatory responsibilities outlined below apply specifically to landlords and tenants in social housing. The law introduces key concepts such as:
Mandatory Action for Landlords
Social housing landlords are now required to promptly investigate and address any issues related to damp and mould.
Strengthened Powers of the Housing Ombudsman
The law strengthens the authority of the Housing Ombudsman, allowing them to more effectively monitor landlords' compliance.
Inclusion in Tenancy Agreements
These rules are integrated into tenancy contracts, giving tenants the legal right to demand acceptable living conditions.
