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Mould is a fungi, one which requires water to grow. The fungi feeds itself by secreting enzymes which break down matter, sometimes with an accompanying payload of mycotoxins. It reproduces by releasing clouds of spores into the air, which can cause infections or act as an allergen and exacerbate asthma attacks. Young children and the elderly, as well as immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk from this seemingly mild airborne pathogen.

Dangers

The mycotoxins released by black mould can be extremely dangerous. They can seriously affect human and animal health, and have been known to cause severe respiratory illnesses. The dangers of mould range from allergic attacks, to disease, to death; the fungi can also cause untold property damage. People with mild respiratory issues can be at risk for much more severe illnesses if the mould is left untreated.

By Flickr user S Pakhrin (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

It isn’t only humans who are affected – The Tonight Show’s Ed McMahon received $7.2 million to settle his lawsuit alleging that toxic mould in his Beverly Hills home sickened him and his wife, and killed their dog. The deaths of actress Brittany Murphy and her husband Simon Monjack were thought to have been caused by mould growing in their luxury Los Angeles home (although this is not certain).

Treatment

Exposure can lead to long and short term health problems – identifying mould as soon as possible is key to preventing serious issues down the line. If you or your children are affected, go to the doctor immediately, or if your pet has begun exhibiting symptoms, take them to the vet. If you own your house, you will have to treat the growth.

The Wykamol Dry Mesh Kit is a popular choice, as it acts as a barrier between the wall and the excess water. It has become one of the most popular proofing methods due to high success rate and ease of use. Before using this product, you must first examine the affected surface. If damaged by mould or fungus, you will need to treat it carefully. Our damp eradication kit and paint additives will prevent the mould from spreading and reappearing.

 

The kit contains a roll of the mesh membrane, a roll of tape and a bag of plugs. You should attach the mesh lining over the existing wall surface and secure it with the tape and plugs. Try not to leave more than 250mm space between each plug to ensure firm attachment. This membrane will act as a barrier between the building and the water. The mesh prevents seepage and excess moisture.

If you rent your home, the responsibility for damp depends on the cause; i.e. whether it is structural or ventilation based. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau goes into detail about respective responsibilities on their site.