Official NHS advice on what to do as a ‘silent killer’ is appearing again in British homes

The NHS has offered some advice as the ‘silent killer’ returns to homes across the country.

It’s that time of year again – pull out the hoodies and umbrellas because the weather is starting to go downhill over the next few months.

If all you’re looking forward to is Christmas, it can be a tough time with shorter hours and less sunlight, but there’s something more pressing than all that, and it could be having a direct impact on your health.

The cold winter months are upon us and the wet weather can cause parts of your home to become damp and become a breeding ground for mold.

It usually occurs in colder areas such as the bathroom or under sinks. However, this does not mean that more frequent use of radiators and heaters prevents growth.

The growth of mold poses health risks as it can cause respiratory diseases, trigger allergies and asthma.

In severe cases, mold growth can lead to death.

The microscopic fungus releases dangerous spores into the atmosphere.

You can identify mold in your home because it has some noticeable characteristics.

Mold is often flaky with black, white, or green spots and has a musty smell.

People with weakened immune systems, such as babies and the elderly, are at higher risk of symptoms.

The most common cause of mold in British homes is condensation; They are often found in places with high moisture content, e.g. B. in bathrooms, kitchens and on and around windows.

If condensation persists, the surface can become damp and create the conditions for mold to form.

How to minimize mold in your home

According to the NHS, everyday tasks such as cooking and drying laundry indoors can also make the problem worse.

To avoid this, you should try to take shorter showers and make sure your bathroom exhaust fan is on during and after showering to prevent the steam from your shower from turning into condensation.

It is recommended that you also open windows when cooking or drying clothes indoors, as this can help moisture in the air to escape.

When cooking, make sure your hob’s extractor hood is on a high setting. Wiping down surfaces can also prevent moisture from building up on window sills and walls.

Don’t forget to check for leaky pipes or gutters that can make the problems worse.

A new law has been introduced to give renters more support to combat a moldy home.

The law was created after two-year-old Awaab Ishak sadly died after being exposed to mold in his home for a long period of time.

Landlords must investigate mold problems within 14 days and begin cleanup within another seven days.

Emergency repairs would have to be carried out within 24 hours and landlords who fail to comply could be taken to court.