Government in England has announced that, starting in October, landlords of social housing will be required to fix damp and moldy properties more quickly and regularly. The rules will eventually apply to private landlords as well. Calls for stricter regulations intensified after a two-year-old resident Awaab Ishak died in 2020 due to prolonged mold exposure. What Is Black Mold?Mold or mold (in British English) are microscopic fungus that grows in damp conditions. mold spores are present everywhere and are released in large numbers into the air. Signs of mold at home include black, white, or green patches on walls and a musty smell.How Does Black Mold Affect Health?Exposure to mold increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, infections, allergies, and asthma. Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. It can also trigger asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.According to a 2021 report from the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the NHS in England spends an estimated £1.4 billion annually treating illnesses linked to cold and damp housing. Those most vulnerable to mold exposure include the elderly, children, babies, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions or skin problems.What Causes mold in Homes and How Can It Be Prevented?The leading cause of mold in UK homes is condensation. It occurs when moisture in the air cools and forms water droplets on cold surfaces, such as external walls or windows. mold is more common in bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated spaces, and older properties with poor insulation are particularly at risk.mold growth can be reduced by:Improving ventilation by opening windows or using extractor fans.Wiping down damp surfaces after showers or cooking.Checking for leaks in pipes, gutters, or roofs, which can make the problem worse.Avoiding drying clothes indoors or using a dehumidifier if necessary.How can mold impact your neurological health?Mold, such as Cladophialophora bantiana, can cause infections in the brain and spinal cord, leading to serious conditions like central nervous system (CNS) infections. While such infections are rare, they can be life-threatening.Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by certain mold types. These toxins can be released into the air when mold grows indoors, and breathing them in can have direct harmful effects on brain function. Studies indicate that mycotoxins may interfere with the nervous system’s communication pathways, leading to cognitive issues such as memory problems and mood swings.In fact, long exposure to mold can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, which can differ depending on an individual’s health and the severity of the mold exposure. Some of them are:Headaches are one of the most frequent symptoms of mold exposure. While most of the time, these headaches are described as dull, constant, or pressure-like, they can sometimes mimic migraines, accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.Exposure to molds can also trigger seizures and can lead to brain fog, which results in concentration, memory, and mental clarity. Mold exposure may trigger inflammation, leading to muscle and joint pain. In case of prolonged exposure, it could lead to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In some cases, mold exposure may lead to tremors, difficulty walking, or problems with muscle coordination. These issues may be linked to mycotoxins affecting the brain or nervous system.