Toxic Mould

Stachybotrys chartarum, which is also known as the toxic mold. This fungus may produce spores, which are poisonous by inhalation. ‘The common places for mould to grow in houses is wallpaper, flooring, behind wall tiles and on window frames,’ explains Professor Richardson. He adds: ‘It can form in any poorly ventilated house, no matter how grand or ordinary, but it’s especially likely where there is moisture leaking.’ A leaking radiator is often a mould hotspot - you may not even be able to see that a radiator is leaking, but even a small leak can be enough to wet the back wall and the carpet beneath. Professor Roy Watling, an authority on fungi and formerly head of mycology at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, says: 'When you walk around on the damp carpet, mould spores are released into the atmosphere, which you can then inhale. ‘Those most at risk of health problems caused by household moulds are children and babies, the elderly and those in poor health.’ Breathing in mould spores can have one of two effects - it can cause an infection, which usually strikes people with a weakened immune system. Mould can also cause allergic reactions, particularly asthma, as the immune system reacts to the spores when they make their way into the upper airways and sinuses. Symptoms of a mould problem include coughing, constant tiredness, eye and throat irritation, headaches, skin irritation or nausea.