.png)
.png)
The Health Risk of Black Mould in Australia: Importance of Mould Assessment
- Kepal Building Services
- Dec 28, 2025
- 5 min read
If you’ve spotted black mould, or mould in general, in your bathroom, wardrobe, or around a window frame, you’re probably wondering:
“Is this dangerous?”
“How do I get rid of it… properly?”
Fair questions. And yes, black mould can be a health problem.
Not for everyone, and not all the time. But it can make people genuinely miserable, especially when it keeps coming back because the real cause is still sitting there, quietly feeding it.
The best fix is usually the same. Find the moisture source, stop it, dry the area, then clean or remove the mould safely.
Let’s walk through what black mould is, what symptoms to watch for, and why a mould assessment can often save you time, money, and your health.
The Health Risk of Black Mould in Australia: What Black Mould Is (and What It Isn’t)
First thing. “Black mould” is often a colour description, not a scientific diagnosis.
A lot of moulds can look dark. Some are black. Some are greenish-black. Some are brown.
Now here’s the part people don’t love hearing. Mould is a bit like an unwanted houseguest. It won’t move in unless it gets three things.
Moisture (leak, condensation, flood, high humidity)
Food (dust, paper, timber, plasterboard, fabric)
Time (days to weeks, depending on conditions)
And where does black mould usually turn up in Australian homes?
Bathrooms, especially ceilings above showers.
Around windows, where condensation loves to hang around.
Wardrobes on external walls.
Under sinks and behind dishwashers.
Laundry corners and behind washing machines.
Ceiling cavities after roof leaks.
Homes that have had flooding or storm damage.
If you’re seeing mould in more than one room, treat that as a clue. It often points to a bigger moisture pattern, not just a single “dirty patch”
Black Mould Symptoms: Long-Term Side Effects and Who’s Most at Risk
Let’s be real. Plenty of people live around small amounts of mould and feel fine.
Mould doesn’t affect everyone the same way. It depends on :
how much mould is present
how long you’re exposed
where it’s located (bedroom vs shed is a different story)
your personal sensitivity and health history
The Common Short-term Symptoms
Blocked or runny nose.
Sneezing and an itchy throat.
Irritated eyes.
Coughing or wheezing.
Skin irritation.
Headaches, often reported when the odour is strong.
The Long-term Exposure
When exposure is ongoing, especially in bedrooms, living areas, or poorly ventilated spaces, people may deal with:
Persistent sinus issues.
Worsening asthma.
More frequent respiratory infections.
An ongoing cough or throat irritation.
Fatigue that doesn’t match your usual routine.
This is where the “it’s just a bit of mould” idea can backfire.
Sometimes a small visible patch is only part of the problem, especially if there’s hidden dampness behind walls, ceilings, or cupboards.
Mental and Cognitive effects
Some people also report:
Poor sleep
Brain fog
Irritability or low mood
To be clear, these symptoms can be linked to a lot of things.
Stress and poor sleep can do a number on anyone. But if you’ve got mould in the home and you’re feeling off, it’s worth taking seriously and checking what’s going on.
Who’s more Likely to be Affected
Babies and young children.
Older adults.
Anyone with asthma.
Allergy sufferers.
People with chronic lung conditions.
People with weakened immune systems.
If someone in the home is in a higher-risk group, treat mould like a priority maintenance issue, not a “we’ll get to it one day” job.
When it’s Time to Act Quickly
If you tick any of these boxes, don’t wait:
breathing feels tight or wheezy
asthma is suddenly harder to control
mould is extensive (large areas, multiple rooms)
there’s a strong musty smell that won’t go away
you’ve had a recent leak, roof issue, or flooding
mould is in a baby’s room or bedroom
So, Here’s Why Mould Assessment Matters for You and Your Family
Once you know what mould can do to your health, it’s hard to “unsee” it.
And that’s exactly why a mould assessment matters.
It stops the guessing. And guessing gets expensive fast. It can also drag the problem out longer than it needs to, which is the last thing you want when someone at home is coughing, wheezing, or feeling off.
Here are the main reasons a mould assessment is worth it.
It finds the cause, not just the stain
If mould is showing on a wall, that wall is telling you something. The question is, what’s feeding it?
Is there a leak behind the plasterboard?
Is condensation building up because insulation or ventilation isn’t doing its job?
Is moisture creeping up from the slab?
Is the bathroom exhaust fan basically decorative?
A mould assessment helps because it tracks the moisture back to the source. Once you know what’s causing the dampness, you can fix the real problem, not just the visible patch.
It helps confirm how far the problem goes
Visible mould is sometimes the tip of the iceberg. A proper look can reveal:
damp materials behind the surface
other affected rooms
patterns pointing to ventilation or building issues
A mould assessment helps because it shows whether you’re dealing with one small spot or a wider issue across rooms, ceilings, cupboards, or wall cavities.
That’s how you avoid missing hidden mould and having it pop back up weeks later.
It’s especially useful when health is part of the story
If someone is reacting, you want clarity:
where exposure may be highest
what areas to avoid disturbing
what remediation approach makes sense
A mould assessment helps because it takes the guesswork out of risk.
You get a clearer picture of what’s happening in the home, so you can make sensible choices about cleaning, containment, and keeping vulnerable family members away from the worst areas.
It creates a documented plan
This would be helpful for rentals, insurance conversations, strata, and peace of mind.
“We had a professional assessment” always lands better than “We scrubbed it with something from aisle 7.”
A mould assessment helps because it gives you a written record of what was found and what needs to be done next.
It makes conversations with property managers, insurers, and trades much simpler, because everyone’s working off the same facts.
Do You Need a Mould Assessment ? : A quick self-check
If you answer “yes” to two or more of these, a mould assessment is often the smarter move.
A musty smell that won’t go away.
Mould keeps returning after you clean it.
You’ve had a recent leak, roof issue, or flooding.
Symptoms seem worse at home.
More than one room is affected.
There’s a baby or child in the home, or someone with asthma or immune issues.
You need documentation for a rental situation or insurance.
Now, there are times when it’s best to call a professional straight away.
Mould covers large areas or multiple rooms.
It’s in ceilings, wall cavities, or under floors.
There’s a strong musty odour, but you can’t find the source.
It returns again and again, no matter what you do.
Air-conditioning or ducting may be involved.
Someone in the home is higher risk.
Sort it Properly with KEPAL
If you’re dealing with black mould, a musty smell that won’t quit, or mould that keeps coming back, it’s usually a sign there’s more moisture hiding behind the scenes.
Kepal can assess what’s going on, identify what’s feeding the mould, and recommend the right next step so you’re not stuck doing the same clean-up on repeat.
Reach out to Kepal to book a mould assessment and get clear answers for your home.
Comments