Take it seriously, but do not panic. What matters is how much there is, whether it keeps coming back, and who lives with it.
Take it seriously, but do not panic. The government's health guidance on damp and mould in the home says damp and mould can affect anyone's health, including the airways and lungs, and that some people are more at risk than others.
A small patch on a window reveal or a bathroom ceiling that you clean and keep on top of is very different from mould that keeps coming back, is spreading across walls or into several rooms, or is in the room where a baby, an older person or someone with a health condition sleeps. Those are the situations to act on.
The guidance, published by the government with the UK Health Security Agency, says that damp and mould in the home:
It says the following groups are more at risk:
Source: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home, GOV.UK, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the UK Health Security Agency. We are surveyors, not doctors: if you are worried about your health, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
Gloves, eye protection and a mask, a mould remover used as the label says, wipe and do not brush. See can I just clean it or paint over it?
Use extractor fans, open trickle vents, dry washing outside or in a ventilated room, keep the heating steady, and move furniture off cold outside walls.
Mould is a symptom. Condensation, a leak, rain getting in or a cold spot all need different fixes. See is it condensation, a leak or rising damp?
Your landlord is responsible for damp and mould caused by the building. See damp and mould in a rented home.
People often ask whether their mould is the “toxic” kind. You cannot tell the type of mould from its colour, and testing a home for mould species is rarely useful: the answer does not change what needs doing. The government guidance treats damp and mould in the home as a health risk whatever the type. What matters is removing the moisture so it stops growing.
We are damp and mould surveyors, not doctors. We can tell you what is causing the mould, how widespread the damp is, and what will stop it coming back. We cannot tell you whether it is affecting someone's health. If you are worried about your own health or a family member's, speak to your GP, health visitor or pharmacist, or call NHS 111.
Vigilant Surveys is an independent damp and mould surveying practice covering East Anglia, North London and the West Midlands. We carry out no remedial work, sell no products and take no commission from anyone who does the repairs, so there is nothing to sell you afterwards.
Every survey includes thermal imaging, moisture readings against a dry control and hygrometer readings, and you get a clear written report within 24 hours of the visit. £350 for the problem areas, £450 for the whole property, fixed prices, no payment to book.
Government health guidance says damp and mould can affect anyone's health, including the airways and lungs, and that some people are more at risk, including children, older people, pregnant women and people with health conditions. You cannot tell how harmful a mould is from its colour. Clean it safely, deal with the cause, and speak to your GP if you are worried about your health.
The government guidance lists children and young people, older people, people with an existing health condition, people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women and women who have recently given birth, people living with a mental health condition, and people who are bedbound, housebound or have limited mobility.
Only a doctor can tell you that. If you or someone in your home has symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or breathing problems that you think may be linked to damp or mould, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
Usually not. Testing for mould species rarely changes what needs doing, which is finding and removing the moisture that lets it grow. A damp and mould survey that finds the cause is more useful than a test that names the mould.
When it keeps coming back after cleaning, covers more than a small patch or more than one room, comes with a damp patch or a musty smell, is in the bedroom of someone in a higher risk group, or someone has new or worse breathing problems.
No payment to book. Tell me what you are seeing and I will call you straight back, usually within a couple of hours, to arrange a visit and confirm the fixed price.
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