Tenants Are Suing Landlords Due to Mould Exposure Affecting Their Health
Throughout the UK, mould continues to threaten the health of renters and their families. With 1 in 5 renters subject to a form of mould in the home, it’s not an issue that can simply be swept under the rug.
Renters have begun to speak up about their grievances, with much of the blame being placed upon their landlords, who are seen to be neglecting their health concerns. The effects of mould have been particularly devastating for those who suffer from pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, with the toxic spores causing their conditions to worsen further.
Tragically, this year we have witnessed just how harmful mould exposure can be, with two-year-old Awaab Ishak passing away from a respiratory condition linked to mould. Mould exposure can also be harmful to those with a compromised immune system, such as the very young or elderly. It is clear that systems need to be in place to tackle mould before such tragic events can reoccur.
A lack of understanding from UK landlords regarding the health effects of mould exposure can certainly be traced to these recent events. While short-term health implications can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness, long-term exposure can result in chronic lung damage which can, as we have seen, prove fatal.
So, what can be done to tackle the UK’s ongoing mould epidemic? While it may be tempting to suggest that renters and homeowners attempt to clean the mould themselves, mould specialists heavily warn against it.
Mould growth is often a sign of a deeper underlying issue, which can vary from a lack of ventilation to the presence of too much moisture (often from a leaky pipe or roof). Without tackling the underlying issue, mould will only return.
Cleaning mould yourself also aggravates the mould further, causing spores to spread throughout the room and the rest of the home. You’ll then be breathing in more of these airborne spores, which will accelerate the harm they will cause.
Mould spores can remain airborne indefinitely – without the proper treatment they will simply re-establish themselves on surfaces and begin the growth process again.
Only with a professional mould cleaning service that identifies the underlying cause of the mould can the issue truly be resolved. By treating the air as well as the surfaces covered in mould, this prevents airborne spores from re-establishing and affecting the health of those occupying the space.
AirFresh, a mould removal service in London, are proud to work closely with homeowners, as well as landlords who care about the health of their tenants. Their certified technicians operate across all property types, from residential through to industrial.
