What Is the Best Anti Mould Paint in the UK?

Within your home, mould can appear in a variety of ways, commonly due to improper humidity management in your home, thus allowing a build-up of condensation without ventilation which creates the perfect environment for mould to thrive. Ventilation is the key factor in keeping your home safe from mould.

Different types of mould release their spores at varying times of the year so depending on the month, you may find any of the following types of mould growing in your home:

Black mould

This can be common, especially in bathrooms and any other rooms which are exposed to a lot of moisture. It’s often mistaken for ordinary household dirt so can sometimes go years without treatment. It’s usually slimy because of a wet layer on top.

Alternaria

This type of mould is usually found indoors in damp areas, like showers or underneath leaky sinks. It grows all year round but is most common in July, August and September.

Aspergillus

Usually found indoors growing on dust and powdery food items like flour and on building materials including drywall. Aspergillus grows throughout the year but you are more likely to see it in August and September and it is particularly prevalent in January and February.

Cladosporium

This type of mould grows in both cool and warm places and is usually found on fabrics and wood surfaces. It is found in low amounts most of the year but peaks in July and August.

Penicillium

Most of us will be familiar with this type of mould because it’s present everywhere, particularly in food. It’s the fuzzy blue texture we see when food has gone out of date or is not stored properly. Aside from spoiling food products, penicillium can also be found on organic, biodegradable substances such as wood, leaves and grass. It’s found throughout the year, with a small peak in August and September and the highest peak in January and February.

The dangers of mould can be potentially fatal depending on your sensitivity to it, along with the severity of the mould your home is afflicted with. Below we will outline the problems that mould can cause.

Mould sensitivity

Just as with other substances, some people are more sensitive to mould exposure than others. A mould sensitivity or allergy can also develop over time. Symptoms may be mild or more severe and can include congestion, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, watering or sore eyes, irritation of the skin or headaches.

Existing health problems

If you have someone in your family living with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD or other immune system problems, then they are more likely to develop problems associated with mould. In these types of patients, mould can cause lung infections of varying degrees of severity.

Breathing issues

Exposure to mould can also cause breathing problems in some people. These could be mild problems with coughing or wheezing or asthma-like symptoms. This is particularly a concern for children, as they may go on to develop asthma as they grow. Existing asthma sufferers can also find that their symptoms can get much worse when exposed to mould.

MYCOTOXINS

Some types of mould release mycotoxins, which are absorbed by the skin or inhaled into the lungs. In the most serious cases, exposure to mycotoxins can cause scarring in the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis), cancer, problems with the liver or kidneys, complications in pregnancy or bleeding in the lungs.

If you have dampness in your home, you first need to assess if this is your landlord’s responsibility (for example it could be from a leaking roof that needs repairing). Or if the dampness is caused by improper ventilation. To assess your options, click here. If you’re a tenant and not sure about your rights when it comes to mould in a home you are renting, check out our blog for the answers you need.

The solution to mould in your home