Mould is a fungus growth that thrives in damp, warm conditions. It feeds on organic materials like paper, cardboard, and wood. Mould can develop in areas with high moisture, such as leaking roofs, pipes, or areas with poor ventilation. It’s particularly common in places with high humidity, such as kitchens, toilets, and changing rooms. Mould growth can also result from rising damp in buildings. The impact of climate change, with increased risk of storms and flooding means that more schools are likely to be impacted by mould.
What to do if mould is present or suspected
If you discover mould or suspect it’s present in your school, follow these steps:
- Report the issue: Notify your school using the usual reporting procedures. Don't attempt to tackle it yourself
- Inform the NEU Health and Safety Representative: Let them know about the issue so they can assist with further steps.
- Request relocation if necessary: If mould is extensive or a musty smell is present, request to be relocated to a different room. If your school refuses to move you, contact the NEU for support.
- Keep a record: Document the situation, including dates and actions taken.
- Consult a doctor: If you have been working in a mould-affected area, consult your GP to check your health hasn't been affected and to log your exposure.
- Contact the NEU: If the school fails to resolve the issue or if you need more advice, reach out to the NEU for further guidance.
Health risks
Mould spores can trigger allergic reactions, including asthma attacks, hay fever, and respiratory problems in sensitive individuals. Exposure to mould can also cause upper respiratory issues, like coughing and wheezing, even in healthy people. Long-term mould exposure has been linked to the development of asthma in children.
Some mould spores are toxic and can weaken the immune system, leading to chest infections, particularly in those with compromised immunity. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk, as certain moulds are opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, exposure to mould can cause symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and concentration difficulties, possibly due to the neurotoxic effects of some moulds. The musty odour from mould can also act as an irritant, causing stress symptoms like headaches and nausea.
Dealing with mould in schools
Mould should be treated with urgency, as even brief exposure to spores can cause severe allergic reactions in vulnerable individuals. If mould is discovered, the affected area must be isolated. For widespread mould, a thorough risk assessment should be conducted, and staff and students may need to be moved to a different location while the problem is addressed.
Even small amounts of mould should be reported right away, as this may indicate a hidden or developing mould issue. A thorough investigation should be conducted to assess the cause and extent of the mould. The type of mould does not need to be identified, as the approach to handling it remains the same regardless of the variety.
Once the extent of the mould has been determined, maintenance staff should clean the area using appropriate materials after conducting a risk assessment. The underlying cause of the mould must be addressed to prevent regrowth. Areas should remain unoccupied during the mould removal process. Education staff should not attempt to remove mould themselves, as disturbing it can release more spores into the air.
The cause of the mould may be a straightforward issue that can be fixed quickly. However, mould due to poor ventilation or high humidity may require the installation of extractor fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioning units. After flooding, mould is common, and water-absorbing items like carpets or upholstery should be removed and replaced.
If the mould is caused by rising damp, a thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the source and implement a solution.