Tackling Mould in UK Housing and Commercial Buildings
Mould is a significant issue across housing and commercial environments due to its impact on health, property condition and hygiene standards.
BCHS works closely with Thrive Sciences Ltd, a supplier specialising in biotechnology-based cleaning solutions. Their product range focuses on solutions designed to support effective cleaning while reducing reliance on more traditional chemical approaches.
This article explores the challenges associated with mould, the health risks it can present, and why preventative measures are increasingly important for organisations responsible for maintaining safe indoor environments.
Why Mould Remains a Growing Concern
Mould has long been a persistent maintenance issue in UK properties, but following the introduction of Awaab’s Law and increased public awareness of poor indoor living conditions, it has become an even greater focus for housing providers, landlords, contractors and facilities managers.
For organisations responsible for property management, mould has become a significant compliance, maintenance and public health concern. For residents, employees and building occupants, it can affect comfort, wellbeing and confidence in the environment they occupy.
Addressing mould is not simply a matter of removing visible staining. It is often a more complex issue that requires organisations to assess contributing factors such as dampness, condensation, ventilation and building maintenance practices. It is also a more involved process than cleaning a stain or wiping a surface.
Tackling mould effectively helps organisations meet their legal responsibilities while supporting healthier indoor environments.
According to a 2021 report, the NHS in England spends an estimated £895 million each year treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp housing conditions. This does not include the potential health impacts of damp and mould in commercial buildings.
Legal Responsibilities and Compliance Considerations
The health and safety of residents, employees and visitors remains a key consideration for organisations responsible for buildings and facilities.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, mould is classified as a hazardous substance. This means landlords and employers are required to actively manage the risks associated with mould exposure and ensure appropriate precautions are taken.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 reinforce the importance of maintaining adequate ventilation in occupied buildings.
While Awaab’s Law specifically applies to residential housing, it further highlights the importance of timely intervention when damp and mould-related issues are identified.
Health and Operational Impacts
Mould can create several challenges for organisations managing residential and commercial properties:
- It can affect the health and wellbeing of residents, employees and visitors, with poor indoor air quality linked to a range of health concerns.
- It may increase the likelihood of complaints, maintenance costs and potential legal claims if issues are not addressed appropriately.
- It can highlight wider building management concerns, creating additional pressure on housing providers, landlords and contractors to take preventative action.
Why Prevention Matters
While traditional treatments may remove visible signs of mould, they do not always address the underlying causes of dampness or condensation that can contribute to recurring growth.
If the conditions that allow mould to develop remain present, the problem may return over time, resulting in repeated treatment requirements and ongoing maintenance costs.
Mould spores can be difficult to eliminate completely and may return if the environmental conditions that support growth are not addressed.
For this reason, many organisations are increasingly focusing on prevention, root-cause investigation and long-term management strategies rather than relying solely on reactive treatment.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Mould Management Solutions
Alternative mould management approaches are increasingly being explored by organisations looking to balance performance, safety and environmental considerations.
When reviewing available solutions, organisations may wish to consider:
- The ability to support long-term mould management strategies.
- The impact on indoor environments and building occupants.
- Compatibility with sustainability objectives and procurement requirements.
- Whether solutions can help reduce the need for repeated interventions.
- How products fit within wider maintenance and compliance programmes.
Selecting the right approach will often depend on the type of property, the cause of the issue and the needs of the organisation.
The Value of Early Intervention
Preventative maintenance and early intervention can help organisations reduce the risk of mould-related issues before they become more complex or costly to resolve.
A proactive approach may help organisations:
- Respond more effectively to compliance requirements.
- Reduce disruption caused by recurring mould issues.
- Support sustainability objectives while helping create healthier living and working environments.
- Improve building management outcomes through ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
BCHS Support and Further Information
Mould is likely to remain an ongoing challenge for many organisations due to environmental conditions, building design factors and occupancy patterns. Understanding the causes of mould and selecting appropriate management strategies can help reduce risk while supporting healthier indoor environments.
BCHS works with customers across housing, facilities and commercial environments to help identify suitable mould management solutions that support compliance, property maintenance and occupant wellbeing.
Learn more about Thrive’s biotechnology cleaning solutions here: https://www.bunzlchs.com/Thrive-Biotech-Solutions
Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies works with customers to support a range of cleaning, hygiene and sustainability objectives across multiple sectors, helping organisations identify products and solutions that meet their operational requirements.
