Mould

Mould are fungi that grow best in damp and poorly ventilated areas. Mould occurs naturally in the environment and can be found almost anywhere.

Mould may look like fuzz, discolouration or a stain on material like wood. The most common moulds are black, green or white, however mould may occur in many other colours.

Spores are the microscopic ‘seeds’ that fungi, including mould, release into the environment. They are small enough to spread through the air.

Spores are present in all environments, both indoors and outdoors.

Health effects

There are hundreds of thousands of species of mould, and most are not hazardous.

There is no exposure limit or health guideline value for exposure to mould. Where possible, exposure to mould should be minimised – this is particularly recommended for people who are more sensitive to mould exposure.

However, exposure to some moulds can trigger:

• nasal congestion
• sneezing
• coughing
• wheezing
• respiratory infections.

It can also worsen asthma and allergic conditions.

You may be more susceptible to mould if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as impaired immunity, allergies, severe asthma, emphysema, or allergic lung diseases.

If you are unwell

Speak to your doctor if you have an ongoing illness that could be due to mould, particularly if you have a serious condition like asthma.

Reduce mould growth

Mould can be a problem in both homes and commercial buildings. Mould cannot be eliminated entirely from indoor or outdoor environments. Controlling mould levels involves reducing the conditions which promote its growth.

Keep bathrooms, cupboards and storage areas well ventilated and free of moisture to reduce mould growth.

You should:

• fit ventilation fans
• fix leaking pipes, roofs or other building faults
• clean condensation
• clean mould as soon as it appears.

Mould removal

• For routine clean-up of mouldy surfaces, use mild detergent or vinegar diluted in water solution (4 parts vinegar to 1 part water).
• If the mould is not readily removed and the item cannot be discarded, use diluted bleach solution (250mls of bleach in 4 litres of water) to clean the surface.
• When using bleach, protective equipment is recommended: PVC or nitrate rubber gloves; safety glasses; and safety shoes. Make sure the area is well-ventilated while you are cleaning with bleach.
• Ensure the surface is dried completely once cleaned.
• Absorbent materials, such as carpet may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced if they are contaminated with mould.
• If there are large areas of mould or mould regrowth, consult a mould remediation professional.