A common household problem, mould, can kill, a property management contractor warns. VPS says that landlords and property owners may require specialist teams to eliminate serious outbreaks of mould.
Aspergillosis is the name of a group of conditions caused by a fungal mould called aspergillus. It usually affects the respiratory system (windpipe, sinuses and lungs), but it can spread to anywhere in the body. It is one of numerous types of mould, and it can be found growing on damp walls, as a major component of mildew.
Anthony Owen, the Managing Director of VPS, says: “Everyone knows that most mould comes from excess water, but what many people don’t realise is that the types of fungi that grow give off micro toxins can make people ill. It is classed as a Category 1 health risk, the same class as asbestos.”
Over years, says VPS, it has developed specialist mould prevention and removal teams to tackle this health issue and are offering property owners free consultations if they think they have a mould problem.
Mould can be avoided by eradicating the contamination and also by addressing the root causes, ensuring that the contamination can be effectively controlled. However once mould spreads and takes hold, the contract firm says that its removal should be carried out by a specialist team who will identify the causes, deal with the contamination and ensure a stable condition in the affected areas is achieved. Removing mould and making sure that mould is not allowed to build up on surfaces around the home can vastly improve the health of its occupants, but the root cause of the mould must also be tackled. These are:
•Condensation
•Water leaks
•Damp basements
•Inadequate ventilation; and
•Rising damp.
