Northern Ireland surveyors were today warned toxic mould growing in damp ceilings and walls could pose a serious public health risk.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors of Northern Ireland (RICS NI) is alerting its members about the dangers of Stachbotrys Chartarum, a greenish, black type of mildew that grows on timber and ceiling tiles.
Exposure to high levels of the fungus can lead to cold-like symptoms, rashes and aggravated asthma. Building workers exposed to it are at risk of developing Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome.
Belfast-based surveyor Mr Douglas Fairweather said more research was needed into how to control the spread of the mould. "Anything we can do to reduce the risk must be considered," he said.
Mr Tom McClelland of the RICS Residential Facility said the issue was particularly significant to Northern Ireland because of its oceanic climate.
In the United States, toxic mould has been at the centre of several lengthy and expensive court cases. In one case an architect was ordered to pay $11.5 million to 15 construction workers who became ill because of mould problems and last June a woman from Texas was awarded $32 million from the insurers of her 22-bedroom house
PA