Black mould and condensation: Could your house be giving you lung disease?

Lung disease deaths account for about 20 per cent of all deaths in the UK, according to highstreet hardware store Robert Dyas.

The condition – which includes asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis and lung cancer – could be caused by poor housing conditions. That includes mould and damp.

Five per cent of all houses in England have have damp issues, according to the English Housing Survey.

More houses suffer with damp and mould problems in winter, because its colder and wetter.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said healthy indoor air was a basic right.

“Exposure to biological agents are a significant health hazard, causing a wide range of health effects,” said the organisation.

Moulds produce substances that can trigger an allergic reaction, according to the NHS.

Asthma sufferers were twice as likely to live in houses with damp problems, it was revealed.

Those most at risk of developing respiratory problems from damp and mould were babies, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system.

“Online searches for house mould have risen steadily over the last ten years and the peak time being from November to February,” said Robert Dyas’ Chief Operating Officer Rachel Brain.

Using dehumidifiers could help to keep homes dry. Other solutions include mould spray, moisture traps and a damp detector.

Opening windows, or improving ventilation, could also help to reduce mould.

Drying washing outside and putting lids on saucepans were recommended by the WHO.

Mould growth can be caused by condensation on windows. Condensation could cause structure issues with your home, if left for long periods.

To prevent condensation, make sure your washing machine or tumble dryer is properly ventilated.

Lung disease also includes emphysema, sarcoidosis and fibrosing alvolitis. 

Symptoms to watch out for include breathlessness, a persistent chesty cough, wheezing and common chest infections.

Smokers are most at risk of developing one of the conditions, according to the NHS.

Treatments include pulmonary rehabilitation, and inhalers for asthma patients.