Cladosporium

What is it?
  • Cladosporium is one of the most common groups of fungi found in homes, and it can trigger a range of allergies in those who are sensitive to it.
  • Cladosporium can be the cause of rare allergic lung diseases such as ‘hot tub lung’ when people are repeatedly exposed to it in high concentrations.
  • It appears as a dark-green, brown or black layer on surfaces within the home.
How does it spread?
  • Cladosporium is often found outdoors, particularly on food waste and decaying plants. Indoors it can grow on damp surfaces, particularly on wood and fabrics.
  • Cladosporium doesn’t live on skin, like some other fungi but when it releases spores that travel through the air it also releases musty smelling chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions.
Who is at risk?
At risk
  • People who suffer from respiratory allergies, such as hayfever and asthma
  • Some people who become allergic to Cladosporium can suffer severe allergic reactions in the lungs.
Symptoms
  • Exposure to Cladosporium and the allergens it releases can trigger asthma attacks (wheezing and difficulty in breathing) and symptoms of hayfever, such as itchy, watering eyes, sneezing and a blocked nose.
  • Symptoms of acute allergic lung disease include raised temperature, chills, headache, cough and chest tightness, which will resolve in around 12 hours. Some people develop fatigue and experience weight loss.
  • Symptoms in your home include dark, visible growths and stains on surfaces.
Salmonella bacteria

  • Prevent the spread

  • Disinfect surfaces where you can see the dark, visible layer of fungi with a bleach based cleaning product such as Domestos.
  • Try to reduce the number of damp areas in your home - dry off the bathroom floor after you've showered, and let your shower dry out properly. Dry off kitchen sinks and draining boards after use.
  • Don't store food waste, on which fungi can grow, indoors for long periods of time.
  • Wrap up food waste or other rotting organic waste before disposal, and avoid disturbing it in a way that may release spores into the air.
  • Domestos Spray Bleach Keep waste bins clean using a bleach cleaning spray.
  • People with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, or those with reduced immunity due to illness or age, should try to avoid places with visible mould, or coming into contact with rotting waste.