Mould on walls and ceilings

Mould on walls, ceilings, furniture, furnishings, and clothing in cupboards and drawers is a health hazard.

Appearance of mould on walls is an indication damp conditions. Mould on walls is often found in wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. It may also be found in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight or areas that aren’t well insulated like bedrooms, corners and cupboards. Leaking pipes, gutters and poor drainage can also cause mould growth. You may also find mould on walls and around windows where condensation forms.

Appearance of mould on walls

Mould on walls might appear like a stain, smudge or discoloration. The most common moulds are black, green or white but they can be many other colours.

Causes of condensation

Condensation is mainly caused by warm, moist air from household activities (such as cooking, washing, bathing, or even just breathing) condensing onto colder surfaces in the home such as walls, window and ceilings. Apart from causing mould growth, condensation can also affect wall plaster and cause woodwork to rot.

Potential health effects of mould on walls

Whether it is black mould on walls or other types of mould, mould is unsightly and some have distinctive musty odour.

Dampness and mould pose a health threat to occupants of the affected home. Spores produced by mould on walls, ceilings, furniture, furnishings, and clothing can pollute the air in people’s homes. The immune systems of people living in mouldy and damp conditions can be compromised and their chances of developing respiratory problems, mould allergies and asthma can increase significantly.

People react to mould in different ways, depending upon the amount of exposure and the person’s overall health status. Some people are highly sensitive to mould and at higher risk than others. This includes children, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system or other medical condition(s), such as asthma, severe allergies or other respiratory conditions.

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Jackson Kung'u

Dr. Jackson Kung’u is a Microbiologist who has specialized in the field of mycology (the study of moulds and yeasts). He graduated from the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK, with a Masters degree in Fungal Technology and a PhD in Microbiology. Jackson has analyzed thousands of mould samples from across Canada. He also regularly teaches a course on how to recognize mould, perform effective sampling and interpret laboratory results. Jackson provides how-to advice on mould and bacteria issues.

Latest posts by Jackson Kung'u (see all)

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