FAQs
More FAQs- What are some safety concerns for mould in my home?
- What is that smell?
- What is black mould?
There are often health risks associated with finding mould in your home, including allergy-like respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, cold and flu symptoms, headaches, nausea and mould-induced asthma. It’s important to know the causes of the mould growth before it occurs, so you can work to avoid damage to both your health and your home.
Usually, if it smells like mould, it is mould. Mould or mildew odours are due to the presence of fungi in the air, inside pipes or walls, or hidden in other parts of your home. Mould is thicker than mildew, so if the smell is particularly strong, that’s a clue that it’s mould and you need to act fast to prevent further growth.
Black mould (Statchybotrys chartarum) is greenish-black in colour and grows in conditions where there is an excessive amount of moisture over a long period of time. Water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks and condensation in small, damp places like bathrooms all create a perfect breeding ground for black mould. Black mould releases microtoxins, a noxious substance that can cause serious health problems for humans and pets.