Understanding Aspergillus niger and Stachybotrys chartarum.
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Black mould (commonly Aspergillus niger) is a fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. It reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air, which can be inhaled by occupants.
While often dismissed as unsightly, persistent mould exposure is linked to serious health issues, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), damp and mould are classified as a Category 1 Hazard—the same category as asbestos.
Keep the property heated to a consistent low background temperature rather than short bursts of high heat.
Use extractor fans when cooking/showering. Do NOT dry clothes on radiators indoors.
Move furniture slightly away from external walls to allow air to circulate behind it.
If lifestyle changes haven't worked, you need a mechanical solution (PIV).
Black Mould Advice
No. Mould can grow where moisture repeatedly settles on a cold surface, including corners or areas behind furniture, but a leak or water entering through a wall can also create damp conditions. Look for nearby plumbing, external defects, and patterns linked to cooking, bathing, or cold weather. Appearance alone cannot identify the source, so investigate the moisture before choosing a treatment.
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