Is black mould dangerous? What's real and what's myth

The honest answer

Black mould has a fearsome reputation, and it's worth understanding rather than panicking about. The term usually refers to dark mould growth, sometimes Stachybotrys, that appears where surfaces stay wet. It can release spores and compounds that irritate the airways. For most healthy adults a small patch is not an emergency — but it is a signal that a moisture problem needs fixing, and it shouldn't be ignored.

Who's most at risk

The people most affected are those with asthma, allergies, respiratory conditions, very young children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system. If people in the home have a persistent cough, blocked nose, itchy eyes or worse sleep that eases when they leave the house, that's worth taking seriously — read more on how mould affects health. Always speak to a doctor about medical symptoms; we handle the cause in the building, not the medical side.

When black mould is a real problem

Size and location matter. A coin-sized spot of surface mould in a bathroom is different from a spreading patch on a bedroom wall or a ceiling. Warning signs it's more serious: it covers a large area, it keeps returning, there's a musty smell, or the wall is soft or blown. If you're unsure whether yours is dangerous or just cosmetic, that's exactly what an inspection settles.

What to do about it

Small surface patches can sometimes be treated, but black mould that has soaked into plaster or keeps coming back needs professional mould removal and the moisture source fixed. Don't paint over it and don't just bleach it — that hides the problem while it grows underneath. The safest route is to know exactly what you're dealing with: book a €75 inspection and we'll assess the area, or call +357 96 738151 for advice.