Moulds are types of fungi that can grow on a range of materials that are damp and usually in dark places. Moulds:
- Need moisture to grow
- Thrive in high humid conditions
- Can grow on walls, timber, carpet, furniture and fabrics
- Can give off an odour which many people find unpleasant
- Cause people to sneeze and
- Can cause asthma attacks and other respiratory illness in at risk children and adults.
Moulds can cause a problem in many households particularly during the winter months. The most practical ways of controlling mould growth is by using ventilation, heat and insulation.
Read the Homeowners Guide to Fighting Mould (PDF 764KB) fact sheet for further information on controlling mould growth in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mould cause health problems?
Some types of mould can lead to health problems by breaking down the immune system. Symptoms can present as:
- a runny nose
- eye irritation
- cough
- congestion
- asthma-type problems or respiratory infections
- fatigue
- nausea and
- headaches.
Many of the symptoms are consistent with someone who has allergies.
I'm renting a property with mould problems what do I do?
Mould and mildew caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures should be remedied by the owner, but the tenant must ensure there is adequate ventilation throughout, to help avoid mould problems in winter.
If you have taken measures to ensure the building is properly ventilated and mould is still growing, you should raise the issue with the owner. Tenants seeking further advice may wish to contact the Western Australian Tenants Advice Service (TAS) Metro Advice Hotline on 9221 0088 or the Country Advice Hotline on 1800 621 888.
I have tried everything to get rid of mould and nothing works. Who can help me?
If you have taken measures to prevent mould from growing in your building and you are still having problems, you may wish to seek the services of a building consultant/building inspector. Look in the yellow pages under ‘building consultant’ or ‘building inspector’ for a list of companies who may assist you with advice on structural and moisture damage to your building.
For further information contact your Local Government Environmental Health Officer in the first instance or the Environmental Hazards Unit of the Environmental Health Directorate on (08) 9388 4999 or email eninfo@health.wa.gov.au
Fact Sheet
