Is black mould dangerous?

What mould does to your health

Mould releases tiny spores and fragments into the air. Breathing them in can trigger allergic reactions and irritation: a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, red or itchy eyes, coughing and skin rashes. In people with asthma it can bring on attacks. The NHS says babies and children, older people, people with existing skin problems such as eczema, people with breathing problems such as allergies and asthma, and people with a weakened immune system should keep away from damp and mould.

Is "toxic black mould" real?

You will see a lot online about toxic black mould. Some mould species can produce toxic compounds, but you cannot tell which species you have by looking at it, and in practice it does not change what needs to happen. Any visible mould inside a home should be removed and the damp behind it fixed. Paying for lab testing rarely makes sense for a normal home.

Why it was taken so seriously after Awaab Ishak

In 2020, two year old Awaab Ishak died in Rochdale after long exposure to mould in his family's social housing flat. The coroner found the mould caused his death. That case led to Awaab's Law, which sets strict deadlines for social landlords to deal with damp and mould. See our guide Awaab's Law explained.

What to do if you have black mould

1. Keep vulnerable people out of the worst affected rooms where you can.
2. Do not dry brush or sand it, which throws spores into the air.
3. Small patches on hard surfaces can be wiped with a damp cloth and a mould spray, wearing gloves and a mask, then dried.
4. Find and fix the cause, usually condensation, a leak or penetrating damp.
5. For larger areas, mould that keeps coming back, or mould in a home with vulnerable people, get it treated professionally.
6. If you rent, report it to your landlord in writing with photos. See our page for tenants.

When to see a doctor

If you or your children have breathing problems, persistent coughs or worsening asthma and you live with damp and mould, speak to your GP and mention the mould. This guide is general information and not medical advice.